A CENTURY OF CHRISTIAN WITNESS IN CARRICK
A Centennial Celebration of Faith, History, and Community
For one hundred years, this historic building has stood as a landmark of faith, hope, and community in Carrick. Long before modern traffic filled Brownsville Road, horse-drawn buggies passed by as the cornerstone was laid and a new chapter of Christian witness began.
Today, we invite you to step back in time and experience a remarkable journey through a century of history.
Join us for a special two-day celebration as we open and display the contents of a recently discovered time capsule removed from the original cornerstone. Alongside these fascinating treasures, visitors will enjoy historic photographs, documents, artifacts, and stories that reveal the rich legacy of the three congregations that have called this building home over the past 100 years.
Discover the people, events, ministries, and moments that helped shape not only this church building, but also the surrounding Carrick community.
While both events celebrate the same 100-year milestone, they are not repeats of one another.
Visitors are encouraged to attend both days to experience the full story.
SATURDAY
2:00 PM
Historic Exhibit Opening and Community Celebration
Refreshments to follow
SUNDAY
2:00 PM
Historic Remembrance, Looking Ahead, and Centennial Celebration
Refreshments to follow
Come see what was placed in a cornerstone a century ago. Discover the stories of those who worshiped, served, prayed, and built for future generations. Celebrate God’s faithfulness across 100 years of Christian witness in Carrick.
Everyone is Welcome!
Drag the slider to reveal our journey through time
The architect of Bethel Baptist Church (now Zion Christian Church) was Walter H. Gould, who was reportedly a member of the Bethel Baptist congregation itself. When plans for the new church were announced in February 1925, the Pittsburgh Gazette-Times identified Gould as the architect.
Recent historical research on the building confirms this attribution.
Interesting Detail: The published rendering from 1925 differs slightly from the finished building. The tower appears to have been increased in height during construction, suggesting the design was expanded after the initial plans were drawn.
Aurora Art Glass Company, Pittsburgh
Tellers Kent Organ Co., Erie, Pennsylvania
H. L. Ley Co., Pittsburgh
These skilled craftsmen and companies brought expertise from across Pennsylvania to create this architectural masterpiece.
Click on the glowing points to discover architectural treasures
This Organ classic console featured multiple manual keyboards, foot pedals, and hundreds of stop controls, allowing the organist to shape the sound of every pipe.
The Pipe Organ — This magnificent pipe organ began to fill this sanctuary with sacred music in 1928. It is not known when the organ was replaced by a smaller organ and the pipes were removed from the walls. A small number of the pipes were relocated.
The Stained Glass Windows — These magnificent stained-glass panels beautifully depict episodes in the life of Jesus. You can see from this photo that the two most picturesque panels were originally located in the center of the large altar window, as is traditional. At some point, the main panels were moved to the sides of the window and a large wooden structure was built with an altar in front of the center of the window. A small amount of the pipes were relocated behind a curtain in the wood structure.
Sealed in the cornerstone 100 years ago and opened for our centennial celebration
A treasure trove of memories from our founding members
The entire collection of historical documents and artifacts will be preserved at The Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center, where it will accessible to researchers and the general public for generations to come.
See these precious artifacts in person! The Time Capsule Room is open during regular church hours.
Guided tours available on Sundays after service.
Select each picture to view full screen
A look back at the 1925 cornerstone layout and the treasures hidden within our time capsule.
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Select each picture to view full screen
Select each picture to view full screen
Milestones that shaped our church family
Easy access with ample parking for all visitors. We’re conveniently located on Brownsville Road.
2019 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
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Visit our dedicated parking page for real-time availability, event parking updates, and detailed accessibility information.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early for best parking. Overflow lot available if needed.
Wheelchair ramps at all building entries.
All street areas outlined in red are great places to park!
Ample parking available for midweek services, meetings, and library visits.
Experience the warmth of a century-old tradition
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