Read on to learn more about Cross Roads Presbyterian Church and its nearly 200 year history as the first church in Pine Township.
-with gratitude to Gloria Fogal and her work as our church historian (1946-2020)
Our Beginnings
The earliest of the settlers around Pittsburgh called the North Hills “Indian Country”, and few ventured to build homes there before 1800. However, there were some Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, canny (wise) by nature, who soon took advantage of the low price asked by the Commonwealth for this land. The cost was a mere 20 cents per acre for anyone willing to cultivate, improve, and settle upon the chosen land. By 1826, a group of them had cleared farms in an area known as Pine Township, about 15-20 miles north of the city of Pittsburgh.
They were descendants of the “Scots“, a group of hardy people who had migrated from the lowlands of Scotland to Northern Ireland during the trying times under King James I in the early 1600s. These “Scots” were of strong religious convictions, straight-laced, and at times, quite bigoted in the eyes of other denominations.
The Meeting House
Long before these Scots built a church building, or what they then called a “meeting house”, they held “Social Worship” in their cabins. During the worship service, the Bible was read, all joined in the singing and praying, and even once in a while, someone might have a printed copy of a sermon which they brought to be read.
At times, early in 1826, Rev. Francis Herron, Pastor of Pittsburgh’s First Presbyterian Church, might be visiting his cousin, Mr. James Jack, and a real worship service would be held for family, friends, and neighbors.
Frequently, a Rev. Campbell would stop overnight on his horseback trips between the Plains Church in Cranberry Township and the Pine Creek Church in the Fox Chapel area. On these trips, he usually stayed at the homes of Thomas and Rachel Gibson, Alexander and Jane Emmett, or Samuel and Jane Marshall. The Rev. Campbell would conduct weekday services, share his books and copies of the Pittsburgh Recorder, discuss the settlers’ spiritual needs, and encourage them in the building of a meeting house. Rev. Campbell was described as a very genial companion, an earnest minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he regarded it an honor to feed and curry his fine bay horse.
It was not long before Rev. Campbell’s missionary work, outside his own charges, bore fruit. At night, around their fireplaces, these Scot settlers talked of reclaiming the wilderness and establishing farms, but also of giving their children a proper education, and of the time that they would have a community Meeting House.
And so, as the summer of 1826 drew nigh, the families started to collect money and pledges for their Meeting House, with the largest pledged amount being $10, and the smallest $1. Whatever amount a family would pledge, they were always given the option to pay the pledge in full or in payments.
They decided the best location for the new Meeting House would be on the eastern slope of a hill where two roads crossed near the center of the township. And so, the land was purchased from John Hilman and Samuel Marshall and was deeded for church and school use only.
By the Fall of 1826, the Meeting House was finished. Upon completion, it was thirty feet square and made completely of wooden logs, with a total cost of $200. Their new place of worship was located just north of the present Wexford Road in what is now the corner of the cemetery. The new meeting house was now ready, and it was time for it to be dedicated as a House of Worship.
The members contacted the Presbytery of Ohio for recognition and assistance in becoming an official congregation of the Presbyterian Church. In the Presbytery’s meeting on October 4, 1826, the following was recorded in their minutes: “The congregation of X-Roads, Pine Township, Allegheny County, applies for supplies (preachers)”. The sixteen ministers and eight elders, who constituted the Presbytery of Ohio, took action and resolved: “That the congregation of the X-Roads to be taken, according to their request, under the care of the Ohio Presbytery”. The Presbytery had previously appointed a committee made up of Rev. John Anders, Rev. Alan Campbell, and Rev. Moses Allen, and charged it to organize the church, but those hardy Scot farmers of Cross Roads had beat them to it.
The earliest of the settlers around Pittsburgh called the North Hills “Indian Country”, and few ventured to build homes there before 1800. However, there were some Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, canny (wise) by nature, who soon took advantage of the low price asked by the Commonwealth for this land. The cost was a mere 20 cents per acre for anyone willing to cultivate, improve, and settle upon the chosen land. By 1826, a group of them had cleared farms in an area known as Pine Township, about 15-20 miles north of the city of Pittsburgh.
They were descendants of the “Scots“, a group of hardy people who had migrated from the lowlands of Scotland to Northern Ireland during the trying times under King James I in the early 1600s. These “Scots” were of strong religious convictions, straight-laced, and at times, quite bigoted in the eyes of other denominations.
The Meeting House
Long before these Scots built a church building, or what they then called a “meeting house”, they held “Social Worship” in their cabins. During the worship service, the Bible was read, all joined in the singing and praying, and even once in a while, someone might have a printed copy of a sermon which they brought to be read.
At times, early in 1826, Rev. Francis Herron, Pastor of Pittsburgh’s First Presbyterian Church, might be visiting his cousin, Mr. James Jack, and a real worship service would be held for family, friends, and neighbors.
Frequently, a Rev. Campbell would stop overnight on his horseback trips between the Plains Church in Cranberry Township and the Pine Creek Church in the Fox Chapel area. On these trips, he usually stayed at the homes of Thomas and Rachel Gibson, Alexander and Jane Emmett, or Samuel and Jane Marshall. The Rev. Campbell would conduct weekday services, share his books and copies of the Pittsburgh Recorder, discuss the settlers’ spiritual needs, and encourage them in the building of a meeting house. Rev. Campbell was described as a very genial companion, an earnest minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he regarded it an honor to feed and curry his fine bay horse.
It was not long before Rev. Campbell’s missionary work, outside his own charges, bore fruit. At night, around their fireplaces, these Scot settlers talked of reclaiming the wilderness and establishing farms, but also of giving their children a proper education, and of the time that they would have a community Meeting House.
And so, as the summer of 1826 drew nigh, the families started to collect money and pledges for their Meeting House, with the largest pledged amount being $10, and the smallest $1. Whatever amount a family would pledge, they were always given the option to pay the pledge in full or in payments.
They decided the best location for the new Meeting House would be on the eastern slope of a hill where two roads crossed near the center of the township. And so, the land was purchased from John Hilman and Samuel Marshall and was deeded for church and school use only.
By the Fall of 1826, the Meeting House was finished. Upon completion, it was thirty feet square and made completely of wooden logs, with a total cost of $200. Their new place of worship was located just north of the present Wexford Road in what is now the corner of the cemetery. The new meeting house was now ready, and it was time for it to be dedicated as a House of Worship.
The members contacted the Presbytery of Ohio for recognition and assistance in becoming an official congregation of the Presbyterian Church. In the Presbytery’s meeting on October 4, 1826, the following was recorded in their minutes: “The congregation of X-Roads, Pine Township, Allegheny County, applies for supplies (preachers)”. The sixteen ministers and eight elders, who constituted the Presbytery of Ohio, took action and resolved: “That the congregation of the X-Roads to be taken, according to their request, under the care of the Ohio Presbytery”. The Presbytery had previously appointed a committee made up of Rev. John Anders, Rev. Alan Campbell, and Rev. Moses Allen, and charged it to organize the church, but those hardy Scot farmers of Cross Roads had beat them to it.
Official Organization
The Rev. Robert Patterson was appointed to supply the pulpit of X-Roads on the third Sabbath of October. Also appointed as supply preachers were Rev. Francis Herron from the First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Elisha Swift from the Second Presbyterian; and Mr. Richard Campbell, a licentiate (seminary student). Others who served as supply preachers for the next year and a half were Rev. John Andrews, Rev. Abraham Boyd, and licentiates John Nesbett and John Moore.
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church became the official name of the Meeting House when the Presbytery of Ohio formally organized it as a Presbyterian Congregation on June 16, 1827. Rev. John Andrews, Editor of the Presbyterian Banner for many years, preached the first official sermon. Eleven men and sixteen women were certified, either by letter or living vouchers, to be members in full communion and in good standing in the new church.
Having declared themselves willing to be united in the bonds of Christian fellowship as a distinct church of the Presbyterian denomination, and governed by the laws of “Christ’s House”, they signed as charter members.
These 27 “charter members” were:
Thomas & Rachel Gibson James Hilands and wife John & Eleanor Graham Mrs. Cunningham
James & Nancy Logan Mrs. Jane Emmett James & Margaret Jack Mrs. Duncan
George & Elizabeth Whitesel Robert Gilliland Robert & Eliza Sample Sarah Nixon
James & Lydia Allison Jane Bowers James & Jane Cooper
James Sample & wife Meria Stevenson
Cross Roads was now officially constituted. The official minutes of the Presbytery referred to the church as X-Roads until June 18, 1828, when the name was finally spelled out in full and capitalized. Our own Session minutes used X-Roads until May 13, 1842, when we finally decided to spell out our own name. The Cross Roads Presbyterian Church was the very first church of any denomination within Pine Township, and it was the 8th Presbyterian Congregation north of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.
The Rev. Robert Patterson was appointed to supply the pulpit of X-Roads on the third Sabbath of October. Also appointed as supply preachers were Rev. Francis Herron from the First Presbyterian Church; Rev. Elisha Swift from the Second Presbyterian; and Mr. Richard Campbell, a licentiate (seminary student). Others who served as supply preachers for the next year and a half were Rev. John Andrews, Rev. Abraham Boyd, and licentiates John Nesbett and John Moore.
Cross Roads Presbyterian Church became the official name of the Meeting House when the Presbytery of Ohio formally organized it as a Presbyterian Congregation on June 16, 1827. Rev. John Andrews, Editor of the Presbyterian Banner for many years, preached the first official sermon. Eleven men and sixteen women were certified, either by letter or living vouchers, to be members in full communion and in good standing in the new church.
Having declared themselves willing to be united in the bonds of Christian fellowship as a distinct church of the Presbyterian denomination, and governed by the laws of “Christ’s House”, they signed as charter members.
These 27 “charter members” were:
Thomas & Rachel Gibson James Hilands and wife John & Eleanor Graham Mrs. Cunningham
James & Nancy Logan Mrs. Jane Emmett James & Margaret Jack Mrs. Duncan
George & Elizabeth Whitesel Robert Gilliland Robert & Eliza Sample Sarah Nixon
James & Lydia Allison Jane Bowers James & Jane Cooper
James Sample & wife Meria Stevenson
Cross Roads was now officially constituted. The official minutes of the Presbytery referred to the church as X-Roads until June 18, 1828, when the name was finally spelled out in full and capitalized. Our own Session minutes used X-Roads until May 13, 1842, when we finally decided to spell out our own name. The Cross Roads Presbyterian Church was the very first church of any denomination within Pine Township, and it was the 8th Presbyterian Congregation north of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.
1829-1900
There are few early-day records concerning Sunday School activities at Cross Roads, so we must piece together what we have as best we can. Isaac Grubbs joined the church on May 8, 1829, and apparently taught weekday school and Sunday School, all in the same meeting house. The first annual report listed in Session minutes is year 1873, and shows 117 communicant church members and 84 Sabbath School members. The historical minutes of the 50th anniversary state that Sabbath School commenced 47 years ago, which would have been 1829.
The following paragraph was part of the 50th anniversary sermon:
“During the three years beginning October 16, 1835 and ending October 25, 1838, there was but one person added to the church. The cause of Christ here seems to have gone back during those years. The minutes of Session show the reason. Many persons were not living up to their Christian vows. There are records of discipline for drunkenness, slander and quarreling with members of the church, and violations of the seventh commandment, but the Session was true to duty. They throttled sin and purified the church. They also set us a good example in the kindness and prudence with which they dealt with offenders. In some cases, discipline, kindly exercised, won the transgressors back to duty.”
Mission Church Established
In the year of 1871, Rev. Leland McAboy, pastor of Cross Roads Church, proposed to the Session the idea of Cross Roads beginning a “Mission Church” in the small town of Bakerstown, PA, which is located about three miles east of Cross Roads Church.
The Session and Congregation approved of the idea, and building was erected, and Rev. McAboy supplied their pulpit for several years. That same year, the members of the Bakerstown Presbyterian Church were organized into a separate congregation, and the Cross Roads Congregation had established its first “Mission Chuch”.
The First Brick Church
In 1839, the congregation had outgrown their log building, and they decided to build a new brick church about 70 feet farther north. The building consisted of one large room measuring 40 feet by 60 feet, and could seat 400 people. The minister was Rev. Leland McAboy, and the Building Committee consisted of Thomas Gibson, E. Duncan, Mrs. John Crawford, and Peter Gruey. The total cost of the new building was to be $2,700. The congregation raised $1,700 immediately and started construction that same year. The building was completed in 1840, and the congregation raised another $800. The final $200 was donated by the builder, Mr. Charles Gibson, who was a member of the church. This building remained in use until 1897.
A SEPARATE SCHOOL HOUSE
In 1826, the church property was deeded for church and school use. The log church and the first brick church were used as schools until in 1870 a totally separate school building was erected on the church grounds. It was known as the Cross Roads School or Township School No. 2. It was a one room school with grades one through eight and was used until 1931. One of our members, Mrs. Hulda Hill, taught in this school.
For several years, the building was used as a residence. Then, in 1954, a committee was established to study a possible remodeling the church and a re-use of the school. The church’s divided chancel was constructed in 1955. In 1956, the school was remodeled into a four room Children’s Chapel to be used for Sunday School. In 1960, one of the rooms was converted to a church office.
A New Manse
For some years, there had been a need of a proper manse for the pastor of the church. Work was begun at the beginning of Winter in 1875. The members and friends of the congregation did all of the hauling free of charge. Rev. John Little moved into the manse on May 30, 1876. He felt that the new manse was just in the right place, neat, and convenient.
The Building Committee of Charles Gibson, Andrew Kelley, E. Duncan, William Grubbs, and Philip Seiple managed to complete the project with the $1,700 which had been subscribed. This cost covered the grounds, manse, outbuildings, fence, and well. When this job was done, the church of 170 members was “free and clear” of any debt.
Then in 1897, William Whitesell donated an acre of land to add to the manse lot. In later years, the building was enlarged and modernized. The last minister to occupy that manse was Rev. J. E. Griffen, who left in 1926. In the years that followed, various families rented the house and property, including Dr. and Mrs. Roger Latham, long-time prominent members of Cross Roads Church.
There are few early-day records concerning Sunday School activities at Cross Roads, so we must piece together what we have as best we can. Isaac Grubbs joined the church on May 8, 1829, and apparently taught weekday school and Sunday School, all in the same meeting house. The first annual report listed in Session minutes is year 1873, and shows 117 communicant church members and 84 Sabbath School members. The historical minutes of the 50th anniversary state that Sabbath School commenced 47 years ago, which would have been 1829.
The following paragraph was part of the 50th anniversary sermon:
“During the three years beginning October 16, 1835 and ending October 25, 1838, there was but one person added to the church. The cause of Christ here seems to have gone back during those years. The minutes of Session show the reason. Many persons were not living up to their Christian vows. There are records of discipline for drunkenness, slander and quarreling with members of the church, and violations of the seventh commandment, but the Session was true to duty. They throttled sin and purified the church. They also set us a good example in the kindness and prudence with which they dealt with offenders. In some cases, discipline, kindly exercised, won the transgressors back to duty.”
Mission Church Established
In the year of 1871, Rev. Leland McAboy, pastor of Cross Roads Church, proposed to the Session the idea of Cross Roads beginning a “Mission Church” in the small town of Bakerstown, PA, which is located about three miles east of Cross Roads Church.
The Session and Congregation approved of the idea, and building was erected, and Rev. McAboy supplied their pulpit for several years. That same year, the members of the Bakerstown Presbyterian Church were organized into a separate congregation, and the Cross Roads Congregation had established its first “Mission Chuch”.
The First Brick Church
In 1839, the congregation had outgrown their log building, and they decided to build a new brick church about 70 feet farther north. The building consisted of one large room measuring 40 feet by 60 feet, and could seat 400 people. The minister was Rev. Leland McAboy, and the Building Committee consisted of Thomas Gibson, E. Duncan, Mrs. John Crawford, and Peter Gruey. The total cost of the new building was to be $2,700. The congregation raised $1,700 immediately and started construction that same year. The building was completed in 1840, and the congregation raised another $800. The final $200 was donated by the builder, Mr. Charles Gibson, who was a member of the church. This building remained in use until 1897.
A SEPARATE SCHOOL HOUSE
In 1826, the church property was deeded for church and school use. The log church and the first brick church were used as schools until in 1870 a totally separate school building was erected on the church grounds. It was known as the Cross Roads School or Township School No. 2. It was a one room school with grades one through eight and was used until 1931. One of our members, Mrs. Hulda Hill, taught in this school.
For several years, the building was used as a residence. Then, in 1954, a committee was established to study a possible remodeling the church and a re-use of the school. The church’s divided chancel was constructed in 1955. In 1956, the school was remodeled into a four room Children’s Chapel to be used for Sunday School. In 1960, one of the rooms was converted to a church office.
A New Manse
For some years, there had been a need of a proper manse for the pastor of the church. Work was begun at the beginning of Winter in 1875. The members and friends of the congregation did all of the hauling free of charge. Rev. John Little moved into the manse on May 30, 1876. He felt that the new manse was just in the right place, neat, and convenient.
The Building Committee of Charles Gibson, Andrew Kelley, E. Duncan, William Grubbs, and Philip Seiple managed to complete the project with the $1,700 which had been subscribed. This cost covered the grounds, manse, outbuildings, fence, and well. When this job was done, the church of 170 members was “free and clear” of any debt.
Then in 1897, William Whitesell donated an acre of land to add to the manse lot. In later years, the building was enlarged and modernized. The last minister to occupy that manse was Rev. J. E. Griffen, who left in 1926. In the years that followed, various families rented the house and property, including Dr. and Mrs. Roger Latham, long-time prominent members of Cross Roads Church.
Second Brick Church
In 1897, during the interim between the pastorates of Rev. J. T. Mumford and Rev. Gill Wilson, the congregation again decided to erect a new building. The location was not changed; they tore the old building down and rebuilt in the same place. The congregational meeting was held on May 22, 1897, and the motion by J. Logan to tear down and rebuild was passed. The work began three days later on May 25!
This new church was built at a cost of $12,000, with much of the work done by the congregation. The Building Committee was Andrew Kelley, William Whitesell, John Logan, Charles Logan, E. E. Logan, and William Crosier. The new church was finished free of debt. The church bell was donated by Mr. Henry Gourley, who served as Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1890 to 1892. The new church was completed in five months, with the dedication on the last Sunday of October, 1897.
This church went through many modernizations in its 73 year life. In 1919, a small basement and coal furnace were added. The furnace was changed to gas in 1948, and Session minutes indicate the Elders took turns in going to the church on Saturday night to ‘turn up the gas’. The congregation decided to add a basement in 1949 to provide space for Sunday School classes and a social room. The plans were approved by Session on April 30, 1950, and the work started May 3 of that year. Again, most of the work was done by the members of the congregation and their friends. The modernization included the addition of rest room facilities.
In 1897, during the interim between the pastorates of Rev. J. T. Mumford and Rev. Gill Wilson, the congregation again decided to erect a new building. The location was not changed; they tore the old building down and rebuilt in the same place. The congregational meeting was held on May 22, 1897, and the motion by J. Logan to tear down and rebuild was passed. The work began three days later on May 25!
This new church was built at a cost of $12,000, with much of the work done by the congregation. The Building Committee was Andrew Kelley, William Whitesell, John Logan, Charles Logan, E. E. Logan, and William Crosier. The new church was finished free of debt. The church bell was donated by Mr. Henry Gourley, who served as Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1890 to 1892. The new church was completed in five months, with the dedication on the last Sunday of October, 1897.
This church went through many modernizations in its 73 year life. In 1919, a small basement and coal furnace were added. The furnace was changed to gas in 1948, and Session minutes indicate the Elders took turns in going to the church on Saturday night to ‘turn up the gas’. The congregation decided to add a basement in 1949 to provide space for Sunday School classes and a social room. The plans were approved by Session on April 30, 1950, and the work started May 3 of that year. Again, most of the work was done by the members of the congregation and their friends. The modernization included the addition of rest room facilities.
1900-1977
Under the leadership of Rev. Mumford and Rev. Wilson, the church came to life and reached a peak of 203 members in 1907. The years of the First World War are almost a total blank in our written history. Records of Pittsburgh Presbytery shows a review of the Session minutes of May 14, 1912, and include a comment on May 11, 1920: “The church books were not brought to the Presbytery for 8 years”.
Rev. James Miller, who served Cross Roads from 1910 through 1912, took the lead in the founding of the Gibsonia Presbyterian Church. The church was organized on August 7, 1911, and dedicated its first building in June of 1912. Thus, Cross Roads had a part in starting this second Mission Church in our area.
During the years of 1919 through 1926, the congregation stabilized at about 100 members until the resignation of Rev. Griffen. The church now fell into a long decline of having supply pastors for 26 years. During this time, the membership fell to a low of 55 in 1933.
On December 29, 1929, Presbytery recommended that Gibsonia and Cross Roads unite as one pastorate. In a congregational meeting in January of 1930, a vote was taken to determine if Cross Roads should attempt to call a pastor. The idea was rejected.
The Cross Roads Church Young Adult Class decided to buy an organ for church use, and on August 3, 1951, they made a $200 down payment. The class took the name “Organizers” and promoted many money making activities which enabled them to complete the payments in November of 1952. The organ was only the first of many improvements.
During 1955, a new divided chancel and choir loft was installed and new carpeting was laid. Most of this cost was paid through donations from members. In 1960, ceiling insulation and new light fixtures completed the sanctuary. Remodeling in the kitchen was done by the Women’s Association, and new wall cabinets were hung in 1961. In 1960, the first church telephone was installed in the kitchen.
In 1952, a parish plan was formed with Pleasant Hills, and Cross Roads again had a minister, although admittedly only a half-time position. The church grew from slightly less than 100 to a membership of 180. When Rev. Kress resigned in 1958, Cross Roads again called a full time minister. By 1969, membership reached its all time high of 265 members with an average attendance of over 100, and a Sunday School attendance of 104.
Session authorized the first Vacation Bible School on May 9, 1956. It was to be held under the direction of Doris Shaw. Sabbath School enrollment was 186 in 1956, exceeding by 10 the church membership which was 176.
The New Manse
In late 1961, one of the members, Mrs. G. Crider, offered to sell the church seven acres of land adjoining to the East. On March 12, 1962, the congregation approved the purchase for $11,000. Since this land purchase would be paid off by September of 1966, a Long-Range Planning Committee was asked by Session to formulate plans for a new manse. The committee recommended that the manse be built at the back of the original property. A Manse Committee of Mr. T. Horsman, Mr. R. Van Cura, and Mr. Ray Affolder was appointed on June 1, 1967.
Plans for a four bedroom house with a basement recreation room and office were prepared by Mr. Van Cura. Mr. R. Royston, a member, was the contractor that was approved by the congregation. The construction was completed seven months after the ground-breaking that was held after church on April 7, 1968. The cost was $34,000. Open house was held on Sunday, November 3, 1968. The first minister to occupy the new manse was Rev. William H. Popa.
The Fire
It was 10:30 PM on Sunday night, May 23, 1971. Dr. Roger Latham and his wife lived in the first manse that was built beside the church. They arrived home and noticed that the water pump was running incessantly. The pump was in the Latham home and supplied both the church and house with water. He went to the church to see if there was a leak in the water line or an open faucet and discovered the church basement filled with smoke. The fire department was called. It is thought that the fire started in the furnace room, and it took five fire departments to get the fire under control. The interior of the church was damaged extensively at a cost of $50,000.
The use of the Pittsburgh Bible Institute facilities was immediately offered to the church and gratefully accepted. Services were held at the Bible Institute starting the next Sunday, May 30, 1971, and continued there for almost three years.
Subsequent to the purchase of additional land in 1962, the Long Range Planning Committee had studies prepared for proposed types of land use and future new facilities. A building fund was maintained for the probable addition of a new educational building. These plans literally went up in smoke on May 23, 1971.
The New Church
In August of 1971, the following members were selected for the Building Committee: Mr. Alan Watson (Chairman), Mr. Ray Affolder, Mr. K. Benner, Mr. Donald Fitzpatrick, and Mr. John Shaw. An architect was engaged, financing arranged, and a contractor selected. Mr. Benner was replaced by Mr. Wade Peters in November of 1972. Mr. Watson died in 1973 and was replaced in April by Mr. W. Bacchus as Chairman. At this same time, Mr. Dale Huggins replaced Mr. Affolder. All in all, eight members served from 1971 to 1975.
Ground-breaking was April 1, 1973 with Mrs. Violet Watson as Honorary Chairman. The first service was Palm Sunday, May 7, 1974, although some items of work were incomplete. Dedication of the new church was Pentacost Sunday, June 2, 1974. The landscaping, exterior lighting, and an exterior cross were completed at a later date.
The new church includes a dual purpose sanctuary which seats 350. The stained glass windows, the gold cross, and other furnishings were refurbished by memorials paid for by the members. The chancel furniture and choir pews were salvaged and refurbished, and the old bell moved to its new tower. The old church lives on in the new church. The total cost was held to $375,600, and many times it appeared as though lack of material or lack of financing would stop the project, but the prayers of the people and the hand of the Lord prevailed.
A New Pastor
Rev. Sallade resigned as the pastor, and again Cross Roads had supply ministers. The call went out, and in August of 1977 by an unanimous vote, Rev. John T. Campbell became the new Pastor. This was the beginning of a long pastoral relationship for Cross Roads which lasted 22 years. How wise we were to vote ‘yes’ on that day!
Under the leadership of Rev. Mumford and Rev. Wilson, the church came to life and reached a peak of 203 members in 1907. The years of the First World War are almost a total blank in our written history. Records of Pittsburgh Presbytery shows a review of the Session minutes of May 14, 1912, and include a comment on May 11, 1920: “The church books were not brought to the Presbytery for 8 years”.
Rev. James Miller, who served Cross Roads from 1910 through 1912, took the lead in the founding of the Gibsonia Presbyterian Church. The church was organized on August 7, 1911, and dedicated its first building in June of 1912. Thus, Cross Roads had a part in starting this second Mission Church in our area.
During the years of 1919 through 1926, the congregation stabilized at about 100 members until the resignation of Rev. Griffen. The church now fell into a long decline of having supply pastors for 26 years. During this time, the membership fell to a low of 55 in 1933.
On December 29, 1929, Presbytery recommended that Gibsonia and Cross Roads unite as one pastorate. In a congregational meeting in January of 1930, a vote was taken to determine if Cross Roads should attempt to call a pastor. The idea was rejected.
The Cross Roads Church Young Adult Class decided to buy an organ for church use, and on August 3, 1951, they made a $200 down payment. The class took the name “Organizers” and promoted many money making activities which enabled them to complete the payments in November of 1952. The organ was only the first of many improvements.
During 1955, a new divided chancel and choir loft was installed and new carpeting was laid. Most of this cost was paid through donations from members. In 1960, ceiling insulation and new light fixtures completed the sanctuary. Remodeling in the kitchen was done by the Women’s Association, and new wall cabinets were hung in 1961. In 1960, the first church telephone was installed in the kitchen.
In 1952, a parish plan was formed with Pleasant Hills, and Cross Roads again had a minister, although admittedly only a half-time position. The church grew from slightly less than 100 to a membership of 180. When Rev. Kress resigned in 1958, Cross Roads again called a full time minister. By 1969, membership reached its all time high of 265 members with an average attendance of over 100, and a Sunday School attendance of 104.
Session authorized the first Vacation Bible School on May 9, 1956. It was to be held under the direction of Doris Shaw. Sabbath School enrollment was 186 in 1956, exceeding by 10 the church membership which was 176.
The New Manse
In late 1961, one of the members, Mrs. G. Crider, offered to sell the church seven acres of land adjoining to the East. On March 12, 1962, the congregation approved the purchase for $11,000. Since this land purchase would be paid off by September of 1966, a Long-Range Planning Committee was asked by Session to formulate plans for a new manse. The committee recommended that the manse be built at the back of the original property. A Manse Committee of Mr. T. Horsman, Mr. R. Van Cura, and Mr. Ray Affolder was appointed on June 1, 1967.
Plans for a four bedroom house with a basement recreation room and office were prepared by Mr. Van Cura. Mr. R. Royston, a member, was the contractor that was approved by the congregation. The construction was completed seven months after the ground-breaking that was held after church on April 7, 1968. The cost was $34,000. Open house was held on Sunday, November 3, 1968. The first minister to occupy the new manse was Rev. William H. Popa.
The Fire
It was 10:30 PM on Sunday night, May 23, 1971. Dr. Roger Latham and his wife lived in the first manse that was built beside the church. They arrived home and noticed that the water pump was running incessantly. The pump was in the Latham home and supplied both the church and house with water. He went to the church to see if there was a leak in the water line or an open faucet and discovered the church basement filled with smoke. The fire department was called. It is thought that the fire started in the furnace room, and it took five fire departments to get the fire under control. The interior of the church was damaged extensively at a cost of $50,000.
The use of the Pittsburgh Bible Institute facilities was immediately offered to the church and gratefully accepted. Services were held at the Bible Institute starting the next Sunday, May 30, 1971, and continued there for almost three years.
Subsequent to the purchase of additional land in 1962, the Long Range Planning Committee had studies prepared for proposed types of land use and future new facilities. A building fund was maintained for the probable addition of a new educational building. These plans literally went up in smoke on May 23, 1971.
The New Church
In August of 1971, the following members were selected for the Building Committee: Mr. Alan Watson (Chairman), Mr. Ray Affolder, Mr. K. Benner, Mr. Donald Fitzpatrick, and Mr. John Shaw. An architect was engaged, financing arranged, and a contractor selected. Mr. Benner was replaced by Mr. Wade Peters in November of 1972. Mr. Watson died in 1973 and was replaced in April by Mr. W. Bacchus as Chairman. At this same time, Mr. Dale Huggins replaced Mr. Affolder. All in all, eight members served from 1971 to 1975.
Ground-breaking was April 1, 1973 with Mrs. Violet Watson as Honorary Chairman. The first service was Palm Sunday, May 7, 1974, although some items of work were incomplete. Dedication of the new church was Pentacost Sunday, June 2, 1974. The landscaping, exterior lighting, and an exterior cross were completed at a later date.
The new church includes a dual purpose sanctuary which seats 350. The stained glass windows, the gold cross, and other furnishings were refurbished by memorials paid for by the members. The chancel furniture and choir pews were salvaged and refurbished, and the old bell moved to its new tower. The old church lives on in the new church. The total cost was held to $375,600, and many times it appeared as though lack of material or lack of financing would stop the project, but the prayers of the people and the hand of the Lord prevailed.
A New Pastor
Rev. Sallade resigned as the pastor, and again Cross Roads had supply ministers. The call went out, and in August of 1977 by an unanimous vote, Rev. John T. Campbell became the new Pastor. This was the beginning of a long pastoral relationship for Cross Roads which lasted 22 years. How wise we were to vote ‘yes’ on that day!
Our History Continues
In the Spring of 1977, the first flea market was held by the Women’s Association, and the choir received permission to purchase new robes. In November, Session approved the Blanket Sunday fundraiser for the Johnstown Flood Relief. Each blanket was $4.00 and the total amount collected was $272.
A Junior High Sunday School class was started in February of 1978, with John Wachter as the teacher. A month later, a Senior High Sunday School class began with Rev. Campbell being the teacher. A certificate of thanks was presented to Mrs. Doris Shaw, who was in her 23rd year of being a Sunday School teacher. A letter of thanks was also given to Mrs. Ruth Grom and Mrs. Janet Huggins because of their long service as the Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
In September of 1978, a new organ was needed, and as the request was approved by Session, several quotes were obtained. At the end of this year, a down payment of $4,000 was made. Presbytery approved the church’s application for a loan up to $15,935. The old organ was given to the Pittsburgh Bible Institute as a gift.
Our membership grew from 177 at the end of 1977 to 187 a year later.
On May 15, 1979, one of the members, Roger Latham, passed away. It was later decided that our church would develop a memorial park in memory of him. Approval of a fellowship and recreational area at the rear of the church property was received in March of 1982.
During 1979, Cross Roads entered into several Mission activities. A Missionary to Correspond Program was set up, and Theodore and Janet Moore in India were chosen. Also, Session approved a special offering in November to go relief efforts in Cambodia. Our church also participated in a Major Mission Fund of $3,000 over the next three years.
In December, a Youth Fellowship was begun, and a renter was found for the new manse. The rent was $450. monthly.
The next year brought several changes to the church building. A choir room was developed, and the choir’s music and robes were located there. One significant change was that the Session approved the use of the kitchen by Meals on Wheels in June. Meals on Wheels bought and installed a fire extinguisher system for the range hood, added some shelves, and purchased a freezer / refrigerator as part of the agreement with the church. This arrangement with Meals on Wheels continues to this day.
Also in 1980, Elders started to be greeters every Sunday before church. The church records from 1826 to 1980 were micro-fiched by the University of Pittsburgh at no cost to our church. At the end of this year, our membership numbered 151.
At a special Congregational Meeting on April 13, 1981, the motion was passed to try to sell 4.35 acres of adjacent land, which included the new and old manse and the schoolhouse. It took quite a few years to finally sell part of this parcel. Also, in November of that year, a Senior High Young Adult Class was begun. In January of the next year, Session approved the church’s sponsoring an Boy Scout Explorer Post in honor of Mr. Roger Latham. Our Session also agreed that the church should support the local Food Bank, which has continued through the years. We were also able to rent the schoolhouse for $80 a month as a storage area. At the end of 1982, our membership totaled 176.
One of our members, Lou Will, notified the Session that he wanted to study to become a minister. In 1983, he entered the Theology Seminary and was under our care, both spiritually and monetarily. Lou graduated from the Seminary in May of 1986, and the church had a reception in honor of him. He was ordained on July 13, 1986, and was installed as Pastor of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, Ohio, on August 24, 1986.
David Daugherty, the organist, gave his resignation in May of 1983, and a replacement search was started. The new organist, Mr. Richard W. McSwaney, was hired for a salary of $65.00 per Sunday. In November, Session passed the motion that the church name be changed. The word United was deleted from the name because of a reunion of the UPCUSA and PCUS. By the end of this year, the membership grew to 185 and ideas were started about how to celebrate the new church building’s tenth anniversary in June of 1984. Plans were made to have a social after the regular church service on June 3. The Women’s Association provided some financial support to the organ fund that year.
In March of 1984, a thank you letter was given to Nevin Kelley for his many years of service as the Custodian. Due to health problems, he no longer could hold this position. Due to the General Fund being very low, the various committees of the church were asked to curtail their spending and to conserve energy within the building. The new organist in August of 1985 was Helen Houggy.
Cross Roads put together their first cookbook in October of ‘85, and the Organ Fund benefited from the sales. At the end of this year, a mini kitchen was installed in the room next to the Choir Room by the Women’s Association. And the membership at the church was 166.
The mortgage on the new manse was paid off at the beginning of 1986, and during that year, the membership started to climb with 176 members. Rev. Campbell started to give the childrens’ sermons, as suggested by Betty Camp, in January of 1987. Rent for the old manse was increased that year from $200 to $225 per month, and the rent for the new manse was also increased from $450 to $475 per month. A fund was set up for the purpose of paving all of the parking lot areas. And Nancy Barton set up the telephone relay system, so that we could pass on information to each other about births, death, illnesses, etc.
1988 brought yet another new organist. Helen Houggy resigned in January, and during that same month, we hired Valerie Guiliani to take her place. In
May of 1989, Session approved a program for 5-8 year olds during the Sunday worship hour. The membership grew from 207 at the end of 1988 to 222 members at year end, 1989.
Another big event in 1988 was the preliminary planning for our church’s new addition. In October, Session approved fees for our architect, Roger Weaver, to develop preliminary plans. The building proposal included a new Christian Educational building and a new sanctuary. The proposed cost was $2,000,000. In January of the next year, we received the preliminary sketches. In May, the congregation passed the resolution, and at the end of 1989, a new fund was set up for the financial campaign of this new building.
1990’s
In an effort to move along the selling of the old manse, Session allowed James Peters of Murray Agency to list the property in January of 1990. A clear deed for a triangle piece of the property had finally been received after finding the four owners. In April, the old manse and that property was finally sold. Also in April, the cemetery was turned over to the Pine Township Cemetery Association. They would now be the caretakers and handle any of the cemetery matters. A new organist, Vincent Ritzert, was hired and his first Sunday with us was September 9, 1990. At the end of this year, the membership was 225 with that number growing by 3 (228) at the end of 1991.
March of 1992 brought new plans for the church’s new addition. Mr. Weaver, the architect, presented plans for a new Christian Education wing and new office space. The actual construction costs were $695,700 with the total package to be approximately $779,780. The cost of the project was financed through current monies, Bicentennial pledges, a loan from the General Assembly, and a commercial mortgage from Mars National Bank. Session approved the new plans and the signing of a contract with Wil-Fran Construction, contingent on appropriate approvals and secured financing. In April, our church received the verbal approval of a building loan application from Integra Bank. A ground-breaking ceremony and reception was set for Sunday, May 3, immediately following the church service. Ken Interval was appointed as the church liaison for the architect and the contractor.
At a special meeting of the Session on June 7, 1992, it was moved and approved that Wade Peters and R. McQueen be authorized to act for and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the church to enter into any and all binding agreements with Integra Bank, which are necessary to accomplish the loan.
Another one of our members was called by God to enter into His ministry. Dr. David Brownstein was introduced as coming before Session in order to move into the Candidacy Phase in his move toward the ministry. Session approved Dr. Brownstein’s entry into the Candidacy phase. In May of 1994, he graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
1993 brought Stepping Stones to our church. Their lease was accepted by the Session, and it was effective about September 1. On February 7, during a special congregational meeting, it was reported that the Bicentennial Fund had been under subscribed. Only a small fraction of the money pledged to the fund was actually given to the fund, and Cross Roads would not be getting the $100,000 that had been promised. Cross Roads had a short fall of approximately $97,000 for repaying a short term line of credit from Integra Bank. Because of this short fall, the release of the approved $150,000 loan from the General Assembly had been delayed. To enable the General Assembly to release this loan, our church must raise and/or guarantee payment of the short term $100,000 loan. To accomplish this, the Pittsburgh Presbytery had agreed to guarantee $50,000 providing the congregation adopted a plan to cover the remaining $50,000.
The Finance Committee proposed a loan plan that would ask the members to make loans to the church at an interest rate of 3%. The loans were requested to be made in increments of $250.00 and loan commitment slips were passed out to the congregation. The motion was made and seconded to approve this plan.
At the end of 1993, The Women’s Association held their first soup sale. This tradition continues to the present time. Their first pie sale was on May 19, 1996. Because of the lack of help and the price of apples, the Womens Association decided not to have the apple butter fundraiser in 1996. This church activity has not been done since then.
Our membership at the end of 1994 was 205.
Our long-time church secretary, Joanne Horne, retired in May of 1995, and a new secretary, Deborah Corll, took over the secretarial duties in November. Deborah was with us until Fall of 1997 when she was offered a position with the Pittsburgh Seminary. Sherry Haskins took over the secretarial duties for our church.
There was a special meeting of the Session in July of 1996 to discuss the possibility of leasing church property to Gymboree. The motion to enter into this contract was made, seconded, and the motion passed. The decision to have Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month plus Maundy Thursday was approved by Session in February of 1997. Bids for a new roof were received that year, and the bid from Scheerbaum for $5,475. was accepted. The new roof was laid in May. 1997 was also the start of Operation Christmas Child, an activity which was introduced to the Session and the congregation by Betty Camp. It is a gift project for needy children and has been a church activity ever since.
At the beginning of 1998, our mortgage was reworked with National City Bank in order to get better terms. The Session also approved the church’s entering into a contract with Wendy Norris. Wendy was our Seminary Student Assistant Pastor, and her duties were visitations, liturgist, preaching, youth group, and Bible studies. Her salary was $275.00 a month. Wendy was with us until February of 2000. New carpet was installed in our church sanctuary during this year.
Because of health reasons, in September of 1999, Rev. Campbell informed the Session of his desire to take disability retirement which would be effective on December 26, 1999. A congregational meeting was held on October 10 for the reason of dissolving the Pastoral Relationship with Rev. Campbell. This was truly a sad time for our congregation, as Rev. Campbell was our pastor for many years and held in high regard by our members. The good news is that he and Sharon are still active in our church activities and continue to worship with us on Sundays. In October, a Self Study Committee was formed to start the proceedings for a new pastor. The Committee members were D. Blahnik, E. Blahnik, N. Barton, M. Quinlan, J. Sober, A. Kroll, J. Watson, and K. Interval. A motion was made and passed by Session to hire an interim pastor. We held a retirement dinner for John in January where he was roasted by Dan Corll, Dave Brownstein, and Lou Will.
In 1999, we had four tenants in our building: Kumon Kids, Stepping Stones, Gymboree, and Meals On Wheels.
In the Spring of 1977, the first flea market was held by the Women’s Association, and the choir received permission to purchase new robes. In November, Session approved the Blanket Sunday fundraiser for the Johnstown Flood Relief. Each blanket was $4.00 and the total amount collected was $272.
A Junior High Sunday School class was started in February of 1978, with John Wachter as the teacher. A month later, a Senior High Sunday School class began with Rev. Campbell being the teacher. A certificate of thanks was presented to Mrs. Doris Shaw, who was in her 23rd year of being a Sunday School teacher. A letter of thanks was also given to Mrs. Ruth Grom and Mrs. Janet Huggins because of their long service as the Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
In September of 1978, a new organ was needed, and as the request was approved by Session, several quotes were obtained. At the end of this year, a down payment of $4,000 was made. Presbytery approved the church’s application for a loan up to $15,935. The old organ was given to the Pittsburgh Bible Institute as a gift.
Our membership grew from 177 at the end of 1977 to 187 a year later.
On May 15, 1979, one of the members, Roger Latham, passed away. It was later decided that our church would develop a memorial park in memory of him. Approval of a fellowship and recreational area at the rear of the church property was received in March of 1982.
During 1979, Cross Roads entered into several Mission activities. A Missionary to Correspond Program was set up, and Theodore and Janet Moore in India were chosen. Also, Session approved a special offering in November to go relief efforts in Cambodia. Our church also participated in a Major Mission Fund of $3,000 over the next three years.
In December, a Youth Fellowship was begun, and a renter was found for the new manse. The rent was $450. monthly.
The next year brought several changes to the church building. A choir room was developed, and the choir’s music and robes were located there. One significant change was that the Session approved the use of the kitchen by Meals on Wheels in June. Meals on Wheels bought and installed a fire extinguisher system for the range hood, added some shelves, and purchased a freezer / refrigerator as part of the agreement with the church. This arrangement with Meals on Wheels continues to this day.
Also in 1980, Elders started to be greeters every Sunday before church. The church records from 1826 to 1980 were micro-fiched by the University of Pittsburgh at no cost to our church. At the end of this year, our membership numbered 151.
At a special Congregational Meeting on April 13, 1981, the motion was passed to try to sell 4.35 acres of adjacent land, which included the new and old manse and the schoolhouse. It took quite a few years to finally sell part of this parcel. Also, in November of that year, a Senior High Young Adult Class was begun. In January of the next year, Session approved the church’s sponsoring an Boy Scout Explorer Post in honor of Mr. Roger Latham. Our Session also agreed that the church should support the local Food Bank, which has continued through the years. We were also able to rent the schoolhouse for $80 a month as a storage area. At the end of 1982, our membership totaled 176.
One of our members, Lou Will, notified the Session that he wanted to study to become a minister. In 1983, he entered the Theology Seminary and was under our care, both spiritually and monetarily. Lou graduated from the Seminary in May of 1986, and the church had a reception in honor of him. He was ordained on July 13, 1986, and was installed as Pastor of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, Ohio, on August 24, 1986.
David Daugherty, the organist, gave his resignation in May of 1983, and a replacement search was started. The new organist, Mr. Richard W. McSwaney, was hired for a salary of $65.00 per Sunday. In November, Session passed the motion that the church name be changed. The word United was deleted from the name because of a reunion of the UPCUSA and PCUS. By the end of this year, the membership grew to 185 and ideas were started about how to celebrate the new church building’s tenth anniversary in June of 1984. Plans were made to have a social after the regular church service on June 3. The Women’s Association provided some financial support to the organ fund that year.
In March of 1984, a thank you letter was given to Nevin Kelley for his many years of service as the Custodian. Due to health problems, he no longer could hold this position. Due to the General Fund being very low, the various committees of the church were asked to curtail their spending and to conserve energy within the building. The new organist in August of 1985 was Helen Houggy.
Cross Roads put together their first cookbook in October of ‘85, and the Organ Fund benefited from the sales. At the end of this year, a mini kitchen was installed in the room next to the Choir Room by the Women’s Association. And the membership at the church was 166.
The mortgage on the new manse was paid off at the beginning of 1986, and during that year, the membership started to climb with 176 members. Rev. Campbell started to give the childrens’ sermons, as suggested by Betty Camp, in January of 1987. Rent for the old manse was increased that year from $200 to $225 per month, and the rent for the new manse was also increased from $450 to $475 per month. A fund was set up for the purpose of paving all of the parking lot areas. And Nancy Barton set up the telephone relay system, so that we could pass on information to each other about births, death, illnesses, etc.
1988 brought yet another new organist. Helen Houggy resigned in January, and during that same month, we hired Valerie Guiliani to take her place. In
May of 1989, Session approved a program for 5-8 year olds during the Sunday worship hour. The membership grew from 207 at the end of 1988 to 222 members at year end, 1989.
Another big event in 1988 was the preliminary planning for our church’s new addition. In October, Session approved fees for our architect, Roger Weaver, to develop preliminary plans. The building proposal included a new Christian Educational building and a new sanctuary. The proposed cost was $2,000,000. In January of the next year, we received the preliminary sketches. In May, the congregation passed the resolution, and at the end of 1989, a new fund was set up for the financial campaign of this new building.
1990’s
In an effort to move along the selling of the old manse, Session allowed James Peters of Murray Agency to list the property in January of 1990. A clear deed for a triangle piece of the property had finally been received after finding the four owners. In April, the old manse and that property was finally sold. Also in April, the cemetery was turned over to the Pine Township Cemetery Association. They would now be the caretakers and handle any of the cemetery matters. A new organist, Vincent Ritzert, was hired and his first Sunday with us was September 9, 1990. At the end of this year, the membership was 225 with that number growing by 3 (228) at the end of 1991.
March of 1992 brought new plans for the church’s new addition. Mr. Weaver, the architect, presented plans for a new Christian Education wing and new office space. The actual construction costs were $695,700 with the total package to be approximately $779,780. The cost of the project was financed through current monies, Bicentennial pledges, a loan from the General Assembly, and a commercial mortgage from Mars National Bank. Session approved the new plans and the signing of a contract with Wil-Fran Construction, contingent on appropriate approvals and secured financing. In April, our church received the verbal approval of a building loan application from Integra Bank. A ground-breaking ceremony and reception was set for Sunday, May 3, immediately following the church service. Ken Interval was appointed as the church liaison for the architect and the contractor.
At a special meeting of the Session on June 7, 1992, it was moved and approved that Wade Peters and R. McQueen be authorized to act for and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the church to enter into any and all binding agreements with Integra Bank, which are necessary to accomplish the loan.
Another one of our members was called by God to enter into His ministry. Dr. David Brownstein was introduced as coming before Session in order to move into the Candidacy Phase in his move toward the ministry. Session approved Dr. Brownstein’s entry into the Candidacy phase. In May of 1994, he graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
1993 brought Stepping Stones to our church. Their lease was accepted by the Session, and it was effective about September 1. On February 7, during a special congregational meeting, it was reported that the Bicentennial Fund had been under subscribed. Only a small fraction of the money pledged to the fund was actually given to the fund, and Cross Roads would not be getting the $100,000 that had been promised. Cross Roads had a short fall of approximately $97,000 for repaying a short term line of credit from Integra Bank. Because of this short fall, the release of the approved $150,000 loan from the General Assembly had been delayed. To enable the General Assembly to release this loan, our church must raise and/or guarantee payment of the short term $100,000 loan. To accomplish this, the Pittsburgh Presbytery had agreed to guarantee $50,000 providing the congregation adopted a plan to cover the remaining $50,000.
The Finance Committee proposed a loan plan that would ask the members to make loans to the church at an interest rate of 3%. The loans were requested to be made in increments of $250.00 and loan commitment slips were passed out to the congregation. The motion was made and seconded to approve this plan.
At the end of 1993, The Women’s Association held their first soup sale. This tradition continues to the present time. Their first pie sale was on May 19, 1996. Because of the lack of help and the price of apples, the Womens Association decided not to have the apple butter fundraiser in 1996. This church activity has not been done since then.
Our membership at the end of 1994 was 205.
Our long-time church secretary, Joanne Horne, retired in May of 1995, and a new secretary, Deborah Corll, took over the secretarial duties in November. Deborah was with us until Fall of 1997 when she was offered a position with the Pittsburgh Seminary. Sherry Haskins took over the secretarial duties for our church.
There was a special meeting of the Session in July of 1996 to discuss the possibility of leasing church property to Gymboree. The motion to enter into this contract was made, seconded, and the motion passed. The decision to have Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month plus Maundy Thursday was approved by Session in February of 1997. Bids for a new roof were received that year, and the bid from Scheerbaum for $5,475. was accepted. The new roof was laid in May. 1997 was also the start of Operation Christmas Child, an activity which was introduced to the Session and the congregation by Betty Camp. It is a gift project for needy children and has been a church activity ever since.
At the beginning of 1998, our mortgage was reworked with National City Bank in order to get better terms. The Session also approved the church’s entering into a contract with Wendy Norris. Wendy was our Seminary Student Assistant Pastor, and her duties were visitations, liturgist, preaching, youth group, and Bible studies. Her salary was $275.00 a month. Wendy was with us until February of 2000. New carpet was installed in our church sanctuary during this year.
Because of health reasons, in September of 1999, Rev. Campbell informed the Session of his desire to take disability retirement which would be effective on December 26, 1999. A congregational meeting was held on October 10 for the reason of dissolving the Pastoral Relationship with Rev. Campbell. This was truly a sad time for our congregation, as Rev. Campbell was our pastor for many years and held in high regard by our members. The good news is that he and Sharon are still active in our church activities and continue to worship with us on Sundays. In October, a Self Study Committee was formed to start the proceedings for a new pastor. The Committee members were D. Blahnik, E. Blahnik, N. Barton, M. Quinlan, J. Sober, A. Kroll, J. Watson, and K. Interval. A motion was made and passed by Session to hire an interim pastor. We held a retirement dinner for John in January where he was roasted by Dan Corll, Dave Brownstein, and Lou Will.
In 1999, we had four tenants in our building: Kumon Kids, Stepping Stones, Gymboree, and Meals On Wheels.
Our Recent History
February of 2000 brought us an interim pastor. The Session approved the hiring of the Rev. John Sweitzer as the new interim pastor. He was with our church until March 18, 2001. During this year, our church held a Fall Family Festival on September 9 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
During this year, we received a proposal from the General Assembly to revise our loan. They would forgive past interest in the amount of $55,000 if the Pittsburgh Presbytery agrees to pay half. The Finance Committee also worked on the rent structure for our tenants. We had nearly $7,000 in outstanding bills. The Self Study Committee continued working toward a designated pastor for our church. Vera White from the Pittsburgh Presbytery explained to the Session the concept of a designated pastor. Presbytery could supply a list of 3-4 possible designates. A designated pastor can be called permanently. A congregational meeting was held on November 12 for the purpose of electing the seven member Pastoral Nominating Committee. A vote of thanks was extended to the Self Study Committee.
On Reformation Sunday in October, we had a piper during the worship hour and Scottish dancers after the service. This year was Vince Ritzert’s tenth anniversary of being our organist.
In November, our church owed $54,000 in back payments to the General Assembly. The Pittsburgh Presbytery paid half, and the General Assembly forgave the balance.
The Pastoral Nominating Committee interviewed three candidates in December, and started to listen to them the next month. At the February 18, 2001, congregational meeting, Rev. Paul Becker was elected designated pastor for our church. He began his pastoral with us on April 1, and his Installation Service was held on May 20. The Christian Education Committee looked into the possibility of having a Jr. Church.
During 2001, Rev. Becker shared his thoughts about our church applying for an “Enhancement Grant”. It could be used for lighting in the sanctuary, a sound system, and software upgrade, etc. Session approved the grant proposal in June. The Session also established the following: 1) Prayer Circle Ministry for immediate concerns, 2) Intercessory Prayer Ministry for long term concerns, and 3) Shepherding Lists & Phone Care for ongoing concerns. Marlene Becker became our Publicity Director and coordinator for the local newspapers. Pastor Becker also updated several of the Bylaws of our church. Our Mission support was divided into four categories: hunger, shelter, clothing, and children/family. A Mission Fund was set up. And in December, our grant was approved. The monies were used for P.A. improvements, signs, software training, a Yamaha Clavinova keyboard, etc.
The list of official projects for 2002 were Share One Food Pantry, Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter, Mars Youth Home, Pregnancy Care Center, Project Linus, and Hosanna Industries. Many of these mission projects were originally supported by the Deacons. In March, the Session and the congregation appointed the title of “Pastor Emeritus” to the Rev. John Campbell to honor his years of service to our congregation. Also, in that month, some of our members cooked and served a meal at the homeless shelter. This was an activity that has continued. Another activity was our participation in the Hosanna blitz build in August. Marlene Becker took on the responsibility of re-financing our mortgages, and our Session began to take an in-depth look at our finances. A special meeting of the congregation was held on May 5th for the presentation of our financial situation.
During this year, Sue Watson created a website for our church, and we financially helped one of our younger members, Jessie Erickson, with her mission trip to Nicaragua. She later shared her experience with us. Marlene Becker obtained two loan proposals for our church to consider – one from Mars National Bank and another from National City Bank, which was a modification to our present loan. On June 30, a congregational meeting was held for the purpose of approving the terms of a loan to refinance our current mortgage. The motion was made and approved by an affirmative vote to choose the offer from Mars National Bank. The refinancing was completed in October, and the forms for the county property tax exemption were in the process of being completed, which meant that we could only rent to non-profits, so Kumon & Gymboree were asked to find other locations.
Our church held prayer services on the evenings of September 8 and 11th in remembrance of 9-11. The Session reported that there will be technology upgrades that involve Internet capabilities, computer programs, the sound system, and the purchase of a digital keyboard with funds from the Presbytery Redevelopment Grant that we received. 2002 also brought a Marriage Encouragement Weekend and a Hosanna Industries Christmas Gift Distribution to our members. The Youth Group performed a short Christmas play on December 22 during the worship service.
Nancy and Michael Barton worked with the Middle School and High School age children beginning in January of 2003. They conducted Youth Meetings and participated in various activities. Several congregational meetings were held in the first quarter of this year to review the various committee reports and especially the Session Treasurer Report. Our finance situation was not improving, and this year proved to be a turning point for our church.
The Christian Education & Youth Team held a ‘lock-in’ and a scavenger hunt for the middle and high school age children. Our Session approved the sending of Rev. Becker and Dave Baylor to Brazil to be part of a Vision Team to explore mission opportunities there. In late April, our church held a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for this trip. They were on the trip from June 27 to July 6. Our church had various mission projects during this year including many from 2002, and a new one called Operation Baby Love. In addition, Mark Becker, Rev. Becker’s son, took a trip to Alaska in July to present a Vacation Bible School program and other mission work. He was part of the Presbytery’s Alaskan Youth Mission Team. There was a “Staff Appreciation Day” on April 13th, Palm Sunday, for John Belles, Sherry Haskins, and Vince Ritzert.
As a fundraiser for a mission project (Bibles for Northeastern Brazil), there was a “Cross Roads Night” at Pizza Hut. Our church received 15% of the proceeds from our members’ dinners. There was a congregational meeting on June 8th to hear a financial update and to allow Session to borrow against restricted funds in the event of a summer cash flow deficit.
Because of our deteriorating financial situation, in July, our Session held a meeting with representatives from Presbytery to find out what our options would be. Some of the options were to leave the building, partnership with another church, merge with another church, rent space within the building, and to cut costs with staff, lawn care, etc. Other churches kept us in their prayers. Some motions made and approved by the Session in various meetings were to discontinue the lawn care and have volunteers help with it, to send out emergency contribution request letters to the members, and to advise the staff of possible cut-backs. Diane Knochel was permitted to sell Watkins home products, giving the proceeds to our church. The paid babysitter that we had during the worship hour was eliminated. This was indeed a low period for our church.
Due to the resignation of our Treasurer, Greg Mensch became our new Treasurer. And our Pastor’s salary was reduced. Our secretary, Sherry Haskins, left
for new employment. Our member, Deborah Reed, helped out with the secretarial duties. In October, our church was declared as tax exempt by the County of Allegheny.
Our members helped out with the various jobs that had to be eliminated. At the Session meeting on October 20, Rev. Becker gave his resignation. He accepted a position as interim Asst. Pastor at Irwin Presbyterian Church. Session decided to look for a half time Temporary Supply Pastor. In November, Rev. Dr. Robert F. Tuttle was interviewed and hired by the Session for this position. Vince Ritzert, our organist, accepted a position at another church, and the Session hired Katherine Csellar. How blessed our church is to have Rev. Tuttle and Kathy Csellar come to us in our time of need! And our church was also blessed by having Connie Culbertson as our part time secretary, and Rich Knochel as our Sexton. The Pizza Hut night (“Eating for Jesus”) proceeds in December went toward Bibles for Northeastern Brazil. And Session decided that a minimum of 10% of all church fundraising will go to Mission.
During the year of 2004, our church had a positive move toward a better financial picture. Rev. Tuttle has helped us move in the right direction, and our church has enjoyed having him fill our pulpit. The good news is that he could be with us for several more years. We also had a Pastoral Intern, Rob Sparr. God has been with us and is showing us the way to our future!
2005 was a great year for our church, both financially and spiritually. We hoped to call a new pastor in 2007.
Our church held many events. Our choir hosted a community choir event to benefit the Lighthouse Ministries of Butler County. Eight churches participated, and there were about 100 singers. The offering generated over $2,000. During the summer months, a crew of church volunteers remodeled the room in the old building on the first floor. This enabled Stepping Stones to grow and add to its care of children. Friendship Sunday was also a success for our church.
Team Cross Roads took a seventh place finish during the Pittsburgh MS Walk and raised $6,857. One of our members, Julie Erickson, went to Louisiana to help out during the Katrina disaster. Gary Yarber brought a highlight to our Rally Day in September with him playing his drums during the church service. Curt Erickson also performed some of his wonderful songs. We also now have the children involved in the acolyte program once again. Our year ended with all of the children performing The Opinionated Christmas Tree Program, which was organized by the teachers and Connie Culbertson.
The 180th anniversary year of Cross Roads Church, 2006, was an exciting one as we celebrated our past and began to look forward into the future. This year was a year of growth, both in numbers and in Spirit, within our congregation. There were more adults engaged in Bible Study on Sunday as well as Saturday mornings; a new children’s ministry began in the Fall; and a new Children’s Choir thrilled us in December. The church survey committee completed their evaluation of the congregational questionnaire and presented their findings to the Session. The Session asked the members of the committee to continue to serve with them in implementing their suggestions.
The Benevolence Committee enriched our lives with the bringing of the Rev. Mr. Mangisa from Malawi to our congregation for a week in the Fall. Mr. Mangisa was a wonderful example of the results of our giving to Missions. Plans were developed to have a more informal worship service with different types of music at least once a month; building improvements were made including air conditioning of the sanctuary; the benevolence giving increased and more than $4,000. was pledged to missions for the first time. The budget for 2006 was balanced and pledges for the 2007 budget were increased with the hope of covering the costs of a more permanent pastor by 2008. The year ended with the reception of six new members added to our church family, which is a growth of 10%.
In 2007, the congregational pledge to Missions was $8,200, which was amazing. Among other things, the Cross Roads Mission Committee continued to help the Pregnancy Care Center, Mars Home for Youth, Hosanna Industries, The Lighthouse, and the Light of Life Rescue Mission. The Overseas Coupon Program was started to help our soldiers in military bases overseas. Our Christian Education teachers continued to teach our children about Christianity. In addition, they sponsored an Easter Brunch, Vacation Bible School, a Children’s Choir, and our annual Rally Day in September. There was also a Christmas Program called “The ABC’s of Christmas”.
The Deacons also continued their work for the church by visiting our shut-ins, making phone calls to them, and preparing dinners. Pentecost Sunday was celebrated with an ice cream social. The first bake sale at Wal-Mart was successful, and the Senior Singles Luncheon at Hoovers Restaurant was held again. The Women’s Fellowship held their annual Flea Market and the August Swim Party at the home of Eleanor Blahnik in August. A “Tea” at Soergels on May 19 was a fun time for some of the women of the church. For the third year, they supported the Katrina Disaster, and the annual roast beef dinner was held in November. The Worship Committee planned the Ash Wednesday service, flower sale for Easter, Lenten programs, Hanging of the Greens, and the poinsettia sale to beautify the sanctuary for Christmas Eve.
Some improvements to the church were done in 2007: air conditioning was installed in the classroom area below the sanctuary, Roy Horne built and installed a board for the display of Hymn numbers each Sunday, additional lighting was installed in the Choir area window wells, and the Good Shepherd’s window was moved from the narthex to the wall at the rear of the sanctuary. Darla Smith was hired as our part-time office administrator.
In September of 2008, our church was able to have a permanent part-time minister. We called Rev. R. Stephen Cramer to be our minister. He and his daughter were both ordained at that time at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pa. Our Mission Committee continued the Pleasant Valley dinners, Undie Sunday and Christmas in July for the Mars Home for Youth, and supporting the Pregnancy Care Center. The Women’s Fellowship held their first after church bake sale, in which the monies collected go toward church renovations.
2009 proved to be a challenging year for our church as well as for our nation. Several of our dedicated members passed away, namely Betty Camp, Fran Connolly, Dave Roberts, Craig Cowen, and Elizabeth Young.
Our Mission & Evangelism efforts continued with the Pleasant Valley Shelter, the Lighthouse Foundation, the Mars Home for Youth, and the Pregnancy Care Center, as well as some others. Mission efforts at our church involve many efforts in the community, as well as overseas with the coupons that we send to the overseas military bases. Our Property Committee improved our church with a waterfall & Memorial Garden area built by Steven Smith & the Boy Scout Troop 335, as part of his Eagle Scout project. They added photo cell controls on the lights at the entrance doors. Volunteer workers (with Stepping Stones) painted several rooms, and Stacy & Chuck Burris improved the narthex by adding new curtains and will be painting it in 2010. Several events were held by the Christian Education Committee, which were the hiring of a Youth Director, Vacation Bible School program, Rally Day picnic, and a Christmas Program with the youth. New Bibles were purchased by our Worship Commitee for the sanctuary, as well as a flower sale to beautify the sanctuary for Easter. Again in November, they held the ‘hanging of the greens’ for the Christmas season, and held a poinsettia sale for the sanctuary on Christmas Eve. The Deacons developed a guideline of when to send bereavement flowers, hosted the Pentecost Celebration on May 31, held a fundraiser at the Wexford Pizza Hut, and prepared holiday baskets which were presented to our senior single members. The Women’s Fellowship held bake sales throughout the year with all monies going toward church renovations, held their annual flea market and roast beef dinner, and sponsored several activities throughout the year, such as a Christmas Dinner in early December.
A new committee was formed (Membership Committee) in 2009 to to nurture the physical and spiritual health of our congregation. They co-ordinate the congregational activities and ministries, maintain the rolls, etc. A monthly newsletter and a website will be one of their responsibilities, and they sent out over 200 letters of introduction to new residents in the area. Sunday Night movies became an event, the photo directory has been published, and we have been holding regular concerts of Christian Contemporary Music featuring Novice Monk, a band led by our own Curt Erickson.
As we look at 2010, we can point to our ongoing campaign to pay down the mortgage. We put a new roof on the office/education wing of our building. Several rooms were painted in the fellowship area, and we are providing more consistent childcare. Two representatives were sent to the Youth Triennium. Our Youth Group remains active and has begun planning a mission trip to Washington D.C. in 2011. We launched a new versatile website. The annual Flea Market and Roast Beef Dinner were very successful. A prayer group was started, and an expanded music program begun with a larger choir, and three Christian concerts were held at our church. We were involved in our many Mission projects such as the Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter, Mars Home for Youth, and MS and Kidney Walks. We continued to be a living example for all those who needed to hear about and experience God’s love and grace.
In 2011, we continued to pay down our mortgage and the amount owed has been divided in half! The most significant change in 2011 was that our Designated Pastor, Rev. Stephen Cramer, was accepted by our members to be our Called Pastor. The Deacons held a special reception on November 6 to celebrate. The Prayer Group started a “shawl / blanket prayer ministry”, and our entire congregation was invited to participate. The bright joy for the Mission Committee was becoming acquainted with God’s ambassador to Bolivia, Ms. Chenoa Stock.
In 2013, we paid off one of our two mortgages. We now have an opportunity to be fiscally debt free in 2014, if we can pay off the Presbytery PILP loan. That is the challenge that was presented to our congregation. The members of the Session are confident that, with God’s help, we will be fiscally debt free by the end of 2014. The only debt that we will owe is to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
2014 was a significant year for our church. Not only did we have a budget surplus of almost $5,000, we also paid off all of the financial debt that has been a millstone around our neck for too many years. We are now in debt only to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. In November, we celebrated in grand style and heard words of encouragement from Sheldon Sorge, the General Minister to the Pittsburgh Presbytery. As we move into our 189th year, we can look back and note that we received a class of Confirmands and welcomed several new members. We celebrated Kathy Csellar’s ten years as our Music Director and wished her well in retirement. We also were thankful to our search committee who found Danny English to bless us with his talents as our new Music Director. Working with the choirs and our music leaders, Curt Erickson and Jesse Sutton, we can look forward to a dynamic music program in 2015. The Women’s Fellowship decided to discontinue the annual Roast Beef Dinner. Over the years, the dinner has been a good all-church activity. However, as a fundraiser, the costs of putting on the dinner have increased to the point that the returns are no longer an effective investment of our time and energy.
In 2015, after having been a part of the fabric of Cross Roads for nearly 20 years, Stepping Stones Children’s Center moved out. The potential loss of rental income could have been devastating. But God sent us STEMsteps, who just happened to be starting a brand new program. Our locations and the space fit their needs. Admittedly, it was a hectic and frustrating period while the change took place, and we scrambled to get the area ready for STEMsteps’ opening in September. But with God’s help, and a lot of investment of time and effort by members of this church, things came together, and we did not miss a single month’s rent. Our minister considered all of that divine providence! We now move on to celebrating our 190th year of serving God in 2016!
During 2016 we celebrated our upcoming 190th celebration by singing songs that were favorites of our congregation. On October 9, we held our celebration service. There were about 80 people who attended, and the service consisted of favorite songs and scripture read by Pastor Stephen. Afterward there was a brunch for everyone of different kinds of quiche and quick bread, fruit, and a cake which was made by Doris Lemmon. One attendee was baptized in our church in 1926!
During the Fall of 2016, the Mission Committee invited us to join them in studying and discussing prayer from the book “Too Busy NOT to Pray”. Our Heart and Hands sewing group made and donated over 2,600 small comfort pillows to local hospitals, hospices, and oncology centers. We are now fundraising for new paving for our downstairs parking lot. Lots of good things happened this year!
In the Fall of 2017, Cross Roads was blessed by the addition of our Student Minister, Ralph Lowe. Ralph is now doing his Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Field Education here at our church. While he learns a lot from us, we are also learning a lot from him as he shares his gifts by teaching Sunday school, participating in our committees and programs, and leading us in worship.
February of 2000 brought us an interim pastor. The Session approved the hiring of the Rev. John Sweitzer as the new interim pastor. He was with our church until March 18, 2001. During this year, our church held a Fall Family Festival on September 9 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
During this year, we received a proposal from the General Assembly to revise our loan. They would forgive past interest in the amount of $55,000 if the Pittsburgh Presbytery agrees to pay half. The Finance Committee also worked on the rent structure for our tenants. We had nearly $7,000 in outstanding bills. The Self Study Committee continued working toward a designated pastor for our church. Vera White from the Pittsburgh Presbytery explained to the Session the concept of a designated pastor. Presbytery could supply a list of 3-4 possible designates. A designated pastor can be called permanently. A congregational meeting was held on November 12 for the purpose of electing the seven member Pastoral Nominating Committee. A vote of thanks was extended to the Self Study Committee.
On Reformation Sunday in October, we had a piper during the worship hour and Scottish dancers after the service. This year was Vince Ritzert’s tenth anniversary of being our organist.
In November, our church owed $54,000 in back payments to the General Assembly. The Pittsburgh Presbytery paid half, and the General Assembly forgave the balance.
The Pastoral Nominating Committee interviewed three candidates in December, and started to listen to them the next month. At the February 18, 2001, congregational meeting, Rev. Paul Becker was elected designated pastor for our church. He began his pastoral with us on April 1, and his Installation Service was held on May 20. The Christian Education Committee looked into the possibility of having a Jr. Church.
During 2001, Rev. Becker shared his thoughts about our church applying for an “Enhancement Grant”. It could be used for lighting in the sanctuary, a sound system, and software upgrade, etc. Session approved the grant proposal in June. The Session also established the following: 1) Prayer Circle Ministry for immediate concerns, 2) Intercessory Prayer Ministry for long term concerns, and 3) Shepherding Lists & Phone Care for ongoing concerns. Marlene Becker became our Publicity Director and coordinator for the local newspapers. Pastor Becker also updated several of the Bylaws of our church. Our Mission support was divided into four categories: hunger, shelter, clothing, and children/family. A Mission Fund was set up. And in December, our grant was approved. The monies were used for P.A. improvements, signs, software training, a Yamaha Clavinova keyboard, etc.
The list of official projects for 2002 were Share One Food Pantry, Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter, Mars Youth Home, Pregnancy Care Center, Project Linus, and Hosanna Industries. Many of these mission projects were originally supported by the Deacons. In March, the Session and the congregation appointed the title of “Pastor Emeritus” to the Rev. John Campbell to honor his years of service to our congregation. Also, in that month, some of our members cooked and served a meal at the homeless shelter. This was an activity that has continued. Another activity was our participation in the Hosanna blitz build in August. Marlene Becker took on the responsibility of re-financing our mortgages, and our Session began to take an in-depth look at our finances. A special meeting of the congregation was held on May 5th for the presentation of our financial situation.
During this year, Sue Watson created a website for our church, and we financially helped one of our younger members, Jessie Erickson, with her mission trip to Nicaragua. She later shared her experience with us. Marlene Becker obtained two loan proposals for our church to consider – one from Mars National Bank and another from National City Bank, which was a modification to our present loan. On June 30, a congregational meeting was held for the purpose of approving the terms of a loan to refinance our current mortgage. The motion was made and approved by an affirmative vote to choose the offer from Mars National Bank. The refinancing was completed in October, and the forms for the county property tax exemption were in the process of being completed, which meant that we could only rent to non-profits, so Kumon & Gymboree were asked to find other locations.
Our church held prayer services on the evenings of September 8 and 11th in remembrance of 9-11. The Session reported that there will be technology upgrades that involve Internet capabilities, computer programs, the sound system, and the purchase of a digital keyboard with funds from the Presbytery Redevelopment Grant that we received. 2002 also brought a Marriage Encouragement Weekend and a Hosanna Industries Christmas Gift Distribution to our members. The Youth Group performed a short Christmas play on December 22 during the worship service.
Nancy and Michael Barton worked with the Middle School and High School age children beginning in January of 2003. They conducted Youth Meetings and participated in various activities. Several congregational meetings were held in the first quarter of this year to review the various committee reports and especially the Session Treasurer Report. Our finance situation was not improving, and this year proved to be a turning point for our church.
The Christian Education & Youth Team held a ‘lock-in’ and a scavenger hunt for the middle and high school age children. Our Session approved the sending of Rev. Becker and Dave Baylor to Brazil to be part of a Vision Team to explore mission opportunities there. In late April, our church held a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for this trip. They were on the trip from June 27 to July 6. Our church had various mission projects during this year including many from 2002, and a new one called Operation Baby Love. In addition, Mark Becker, Rev. Becker’s son, took a trip to Alaska in July to present a Vacation Bible School program and other mission work. He was part of the Presbytery’s Alaskan Youth Mission Team. There was a “Staff Appreciation Day” on April 13th, Palm Sunday, for John Belles, Sherry Haskins, and Vince Ritzert.
As a fundraiser for a mission project (Bibles for Northeastern Brazil), there was a “Cross Roads Night” at Pizza Hut. Our church received 15% of the proceeds from our members’ dinners. There was a congregational meeting on June 8th to hear a financial update and to allow Session to borrow against restricted funds in the event of a summer cash flow deficit.
Because of our deteriorating financial situation, in July, our Session held a meeting with representatives from Presbytery to find out what our options would be. Some of the options were to leave the building, partnership with another church, merge with another church, rent space within the building, and to cut costs with staff, lawn care, etc. Other churches kept us in their prayers. Some motions made and approved by the Session in various meetings were to discontinue the lawn care and have volunteers help with it, to send out emergency contribution request letters to the members, and to advise the staff of possible cut-backs. Diane Knochel was permitted to sell Watkins home products, giving the proceeds to our church. The paid babysitter that we had during the worship hour was eliminated. This was indeed a low period for our church.
Due to the resignation of our Treasurer, Greg Mensch became our new Treasurer. And our Pastor’s salary was reduced. Our secretary, Sherry Haskins, left
for new employment. Our member, Deborah Reed, helped out with the secretarial duties. In October, our church was declared as tax exempt by the County of Allegheny.
Our members helped out with the various jobs that had to be eliminated. At the Session meeting on October 20, Rev. Becker gave his resignation. He accepted a position as interim Asst. Pastor at Irwin Presbyterian Church. Session decided to look for a half time Temporary Supply Pastor. In November, Rev. Dr. Robert F. Tuttle was interviewed and hired by the Session for this position. Vince Ritzert, our organist, accepted a position at another church, and the Session hired Katherine Csellar. How blessed our church is to have Rev. Tuttle and Kathy Csellar come to us in our time of need! And our church was also blessed by having Connie Culbertson as our part time secretary, and Rich Knochel as our Sexton. The Pizza Hut night (“Eating for Jesus”) proceeds in December went toward Bibles for Northeastern Brazil. And Session decided that a minimum of 10% of all church fundraising will go to Mission.
During the year of 2004, our church had a positive move toward a better financial picture. Rev. Tuttle has helped us move in the right direction, and our church has enjoyed having him fill our pulpit. The good news is that he could be with us for several more years. We also had a Pastoral Intern, Rob Sparr. God has been with us and is showing us the way to our future!
2005 was a great year for our church, both financially and spiritually. We hoped to call a new pastor in 2007.
Our church held many events. Our choir hosted a community choir event to benefit the Lighthouse Ministries of Butler County. Eight churches participated, and there were about 100 singers. The offering generated over $2,000. During the summer months, a crew of church volunteers remodeled the room in the old building on the first floor. This enabled Stepping Stones to grow and add to its care of children. Friendship Sunday was also a success for our church.
Team Cross Roads took a seventh place finish during the Pittsburgh MS Walk and raised $6,857. One of our members, Julie Erickson, went to Louisiana to help out during the Katrina disaster. Gary Yarber brought a highlight to our Rally Day in September with him playing his drums during the church service. Curt Erickson also performed some of his wonderful songs. We also now have the children involved in the acolyte program once again. Our year ended with all of the children performing The Opinionated Christmas Tree Program, which was organized by the teachers and Connie Culbertson.
The 180th anniversary year of Cross Roads Church, 2006, was an exciting one as we celebrated our past and began to look forward into the future. This year was a year of growth, both in numbers and in Spirit, within our congregation. There were more adults engaged in Bible Study on Sunday as well as Saturday mornings; a new children’s ministry began in the Fall; and a new Children’s Choir thrilled us in December. The church survey committee completed their evaluation of the congregational questionnaire and presented their findings to the Session. The Session asked the members of the committee to continue to serve with them in implementing their suggestions.
The Benevolence Committee enriched our lives with the bringing of the Rev. Mr. Mangisa from Malawi to our congregation for a week in the Fall. Mr. Mangisa was a wonderful example of the results of our giving to Missions. Plans were developed to have a more informal worship service with different types of music at least once a month; building improvements were made including air conditioning of the sanctuary; the benevolence giving increased and more than $4,000. was pledged to missions for the first time. The budget for 2006 was balanced and pledges for the 2007 budget were increased with the hope of covering the costs of a more permanent pastor by 2008. The year ended with the reception of six new members added to our church family, which is a growth of 10%.
In 2007, the congregational pledge to Missions was $8,200, which was amazing. Among other things, the Cross Roads Mission Committee continued to help the Pregnancy Care Center, Mars Home for Youth, Hosanna Industries, The Lighthouse, and the Light of Life Rescue Mission. The Overseas Coupon Program was started to help our soldiers in military bases overseas. Our Christian Education teachers continued to teach our children about Christianity. In addition, they sponsored an Easter Brunch, Vacation Bible School, a Children’s Choir, and our annual Rally Day in September. There was also a Christmas Program called “The ABC’s of Christmas”.
The Deacons also continued their work for the church by visiting our shut-ins, making phone calls to them, and preparing dinners. Pentecost Sunday was celebrated with an ice cream social. The first bake sale at Wal-Mart was successful, and the Senior Singles Luncheon at Hoovers Restaurant was held again. The Women’s Fellowship held their annual Flea Market and the August Swim Party at the home of Eleanor Blahnik in August. A “Tea” at Soergels on May 19 was a fun time for some of the women of the church. For the third year, they supported the Katrina Disaster, and the annual roast beef dinner was held in November. The Worship Committee planned the Ash Wednesday service, flower sale for Easter, Lenten programs, Hanging of the Greens, and the poinsettia sale to beautify the sanctuary for Christmas Eve.
Some improvements to the church were done in 2007: air conditioning was installed in the classroom area below the sanctuary, Roy Horne built and installed a board for the display of Hymn numbers each Sunday, additional lighting was installed in the Choir area window wells, and the Good Shepherd’s window was moved from the narthex to the wall at the rear of the sanctuary. Darla Smith was hired as our part-time office administrator.
In September of 2008, our church was able to have a permanent part-time minister. We called Rev. R. Stephen Cramer to be our minister. He and his daughter were both ordained at that time at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pa. Our Mission Committee continued the Pleasant Valley dinners, Undie Sunday and Christmas in July for the Mars Home for Youth, and supporting the Pregnancy Care Center. The Women’s Fellowship held their first after church bake sale, in which the monies collected go toward church renovations.
2009 proved to be a challenging year for our church as well as for our nation. Several of our dedicated members passed away, namely Betty Camp, Fran Connolly, Dave Roberts, Craig Cowen, and Elizabeth Young.
Our Mission & Evangelism efforts continued with the Pleasant Valley Shelter, the Lighthouse Foundation, the Mars Home for Youth, and the Pregnancy Care Center, as well as some others. Mission efforts at our church involve many efforts in the community, as well as overseas with the coupons that we send to the overseas military bases. Our Property Committee improved our church with a waterfall & Memorial Garden area built by Steven Smith & the Boy Scout Troop 335, as part of his Eagle Scout project. They added photo cell controls on the lights at the entrance doors. Volunteer workers (with Stepping Stones) painted several rooms, and Stacy & Chuck Burris improved the narthex by adding new curtains and will be painting it in 2010. Several events were held by the Christian Education Committee, which were the hiring of a Youth Director, Vacation Bible School program, Rally Day picnic, and a Christmas Program with the youth. New Bibles were purchased by our Worship Commitee for the sanctuary, as well as a flower sale to beautify the sanctuary for Easter. Again in November, they held the ‘hanging of the greens’ for the Christmas season, and held a poinsettia sale for the sanctuary on Christmas Eve. The Deacons developed a guideline of when to send bereavement flowers, hosted the Pentecost Celebration on May 31, held a fundraiser at the Wexford Pizza Hut, and prepared holiday baskets which were presented to our senior single members. The Women’s Fellowship held bake sales throughout the year with all monies going toward church renovations, held their annual flea market and roast beef dinner, and sponsored several activities throughout the year, such as a Christmas Dinner in early December.
A new committee was formed (Membership Committee) in 2009 to to nurture the physical and spiritual health of our congregation. They co-ordinate the congregational activities and ministries, maintain the rolls, etc. A monthly newsletter and a website will be one of their responsibilities, and they sent out over 200 letters of introduction to new residents in the area. Sunday Night movies became an event, the photo directory has been published, and we have been holding regular concerts of Christian Contemporary Music featuring Novice Monk, a band led by our own Curt Erickson.
As we look at 2010, we can point to our ongoing campaign to pay down the mortgage. We put a new roof on the office/education wing of our building. Several rooms were painted in the fellowship area, and we are providing more consistent childcare. Two representatives were sent to the Youth Triennium. Our Youth Group remains active and has begun planning a mission trip to Washington D.C. in 2011. We launched a new versatile website. The annual Flea Market and Roast Beef Dinner were very successful. A prayer group was started, and an expanded music program begun with a larger choir, and three Christian concerts were held at our church. We were involved in our many Mission projects such as the Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter, Mars Home for Youth, and MS and Kidney Walks. We continued to be a living example for all those who needed to hear about and experience God’s love and grace.
In 2011, we continued to pay down our mortgage and the amount owed has been divided in half! The most significant change in 2011 was that our Designated Pastor, Rev. Stephen Cramer, was accepted by our members to be our Called Pastor. The Deacons held a special reception on November 6 to celebrate. The Prayer Group started a “shawl / blanket prayer ministry”, and our entire congregation was invited to participate. The bright joy for the Mission Committee was becoming acquainted with God’s ambassador to Bolivia, Ms. Chenoa Stock.
In 2013, we paid off one of our two mortgages. We now have an opportunity to be fiscally debt free in 2014, if we can pay off the Presbytery PILP loan. That is the challenge that was presented to our congregation. The members of the Session are confident that, with God’s help, we will be fiscally debt free by the end of 2014. The only debt that we will owe is to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
2014 was a significant year for our church. Not only did we have a budget surplus of almost $5,000, we also paid off all of the financial debt that has been a millstone around our neck for too many years. We are now in debt only to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. In November, we celebrated in grand style and heard words of encouragement from Sheldon Sorge, the General Minister to the Pittsburgh Presbytery. As we move into our 189th year, we can look back and note that we received a class of Confirmands and welcomed several new members. We celebrated Kathy Csellar’s ten years as our Music Director and wished her well in retirement. We also were thankful to our search committee who found Danny English to bless us with his talents as our new Music Director. Working with the choirs and our music leaders, Curt Erickson and Jesse Sutton, we can look forward to a dynamic music program in 2015. The Women’s Fellowship decided to discontinue the annual Roast Beef Dinner. Over the years, the dinner has been a good all-church activity. However, as a fundraiser, the costs of putting on the dinner have increased to the point that the returns are no longer an effective investment of our time and energy.
In 2015, after having been a part of the fabric of Cross Roads for nearly 20 years, Stepping Stones Children’s Center moved out. The potential loss of rental income could have been devastating. But God sent us STEMsteps, who just happened to be starting a brand new program. Our locations and the space fit their needs. Admittedly, it was a hectic and frustrating period while the change took place, and we scrambled to get the area ready for STEMsteps’ opening in September. But with God’s help, and a lot of investment of time and effort by members of this church, things came together, and we did not miss a single month’s rent. Our minister considered all of that divine providence! We now move on to celebrating our 190th year of serving God in 2016!
During 2016 we celebrated our upcoming 190th celebration by singing songs that were favorites of our congregation. On October 9, we held our celebration service. There were about 80 people who attended, and the service consisted of favorite songs and scripture read by Pastor Stephen. Afterward there was a brunch for everyone of different kinds of quiche and quick bread, fruit, and a cake which was made by Doris Lemmon. One attendee was baptized in our church in 1926!
During the Fall of 2016, the Mission Committee invited us to join them in studying and discussing prayer from the book “Too Busy NOT to Pray”. Our Heart and Hands sewing group made and donated over 2,600 small comfort pillows to local hospitals, hospices, and oncology centers. We are now fundraising for new paving for our downstairs parking lot. Lots of good things happened this year!
In the Fall of 2017, Cross Roads was blessed by the addition of our Student Minister, Ralph Lowe. Ralph is now doing his Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Field Education here at our church. While he learns a lot from us, we are also learning a lot from him as he shares his gifts by teaching Sunday school, participating in our committees and programs, and leading us in worship.
Notable Firsts
Our First Session
The very first order of business for the new congregation was the nomination and election of Ruling Elders. Being an Elder in the 19th century Presbyterian Church was a very, very serious responsibility. If a member was absent from or even late for a Session meeting, his reason had to be explained to and voted upon by the other members of the Session before he could be sustained and allowed to attend.
The Session’s responsibility was to “preserve the peace and purity of the church” as well as the Christian daily walk and conversation of its members. Anyone who erred was “kept back” or refused the sealing ordinances (Baptism and Communion) of God’s church until such time when they gave evidence of repentance. As moral arbiter, the Session succeeded or failed according to the value each sinner placed on the two advantages of church membership: (1) the good will of the fellow members of the congregation, and (2) the spiritual treasures dispensed by the church.
Elder members of the church Session ruled on applications for admission as church members and letters of dismissal as a member. They not only inquired into the applicant’s faith and understanding in religious matters, but also informed the applicant of qualifications for Christian service and their intent to use such talents for God’s church.
Mr. George Whitesel, Mr. James Jack, and Mr. James Logan were nominated and elected to the office of Ruling Elder and were ordained as such on July 7, 1827. These men constituted our first Session.
Our official Minutes of Session contain a memorial to George Whitesel, who died on January 23, 1880, following his 52 ½ years service as an Elder. In one section of the memorial, it states “never missed a communion in the first 50 years as an Elder”. Mr. James Jack moved away from the community in October of 1831, and Mr. Robert Sample replaced him in early 1832, serving over 54 years until his death on October 7, 1886. Ruling Elders were not elected for a fixed term on a rotating basis, but were elected to serve for their lifetime, or until dismissed for a valid reason.
Our First Communion
Back in the early 1800’s, it was the Presbyterian custom to celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on a semi-annual worship season that lasted four days. The Thursday evening preceding the Sunday of Communion was considered a “fast” day on which no work was done. Then, on Saturday, there was the “preparatory service”, during which “communion tokens” were distributed to the members considered worthy of a place at the communion table.
These “tokens” were refused to those known as sinners. If you did not receive a token, you could meet with the Session after the worship service, confess the error of your ways, and profess your repentance. If the Session believed and accepted your repentance as satisfactory, it would issue a token and restore you to full communion. But, they could also require that your confession be read in public from the pulpit.
The Rev. Robert Patterson was appointed to administer the first sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at Cross Roads on a future date to be decided at his discretion. He chose August 19, 1827. Rev. Abraham Boyd preached the Saturday preparatory sermon, and Rev. Patterson preached and administered the sacrament on the Sabbath.
Our First Minister
Presbyterian frontiersmen were very particular about their clergy. Above all, they required that a minister have a proper education and be able to deliver his sermon without notes. Christian Ministry was hard work and truly a labor of love. The salary was low, and often partly paid in farm produce or as labor on the “Pastor’s Place”, his home. Sometimes as a bonus, he was permitted to spend part of his time as a missionary.
Mr. John Moore came to Cross Roads on February 9, 1828, as a licentiate (one licensed to practice as a Preacher). On April 15, 1828, together with the Cranberry Plains and Deer Creek congregations, Cross Roads presented a call for his services.
Mr. Moore’s preparation for the ministry included two years of trials and probation. He had applied to Presbytery on June 13, 1826, as a Candidate for Ordained Ministry. Presbytery, having received testimonials as to his good character, connection with the church, and completion of his studies, orally examined him on his experiential acquaintance with religion and his knowledge of Latin and Greek. He was required to prepare an interpretation on whether Christ chose sinless life for himself without obedience to a higher power. He prepared a homily (sermon) on Matthew 7:11, a critical exercise on the first three verses of the Gospel of John, and a lecture on Ephesians 2:1-9.
Mr. Moore was then examined on “Systematick” Theology, his adoption of the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, and asked to answer, in the affirmative, all of the questions put to all candidates to be licensed. His licensure was completed on October 2, 1827, and he was given permission to preach as a probationer.
When the “call” was received, Presbytery set June 18, 1828, as the day of his ordination, completing two years as a licentiate. His sermon was to be “And Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom You Were Sealed for the Day of Redemption”, based on Ephesians 4:30. Presbytery, being fully satisfied, proceeded with his ordination and installed him as pastor of the congregations of Cranberry Plains, Deer Creek, and Cross Roads churches.
There were several other ministers who also received their ordination and started their ministry at Cross Roads. They were:
Rev. Leland McAboy September 25, 1838
Rev. J. D. Shanks October 15, 1872
Rev. Robert Porter May 3, 1882
Rev. Gil I. Wilson June 15, 1899
Rev. Fred Dent May 21, 1908
Rev. Willis E. Hogg June 12, 1913
Rev. Stephen Cramer September 6, 2008
Our First Session
The very first order of business for the new congregation was the nomination and election of Ruling Elders. Being an Elder in the 19th century Presbyterian Church was a very, very serious responsibility. If a member was absent from or even late for a Session meeting, his reason had to be explained to and voted upon by the other members of the Session before he could be sustained and allowed to attend.
The Session’s responsibility was to “preserve the peace and purity of the church” as well as the Christian daily walk and conversation of its members. Anyone who erred was “kept back” or refused the sealing ordinances (Baptism and Communion) of God’s church until such time when they gave evidence of repentance. As moral arbiter, the Session succeeded or failed according to the value each sinner placed on the two advantages of church membership: (1) the good will of the fellow members of the congregation, and (2) the spiritual treasures dispensed by the church.
Elder members of the church Session ruled on applications for admission as church members and letters of dismissal as a member. They not only inquired into the applicant’s faith and understanding in religious matters, but also informed the applicant of qualifications for Christian service and their intent to use such talents for God’s church.
Mr. George Whitesel, Mr. James Jack, and Mr. James Logan were nominated and elected to the office of Ruling Elder and were ordained as such on July 7, 1827. These men constituted our first Session.
Our official Minutes of Session contain a memorial to George Whitesel, who died on January 23, 1880, following his 52 ½ years service as an Elder. In one section of the memorial, it states “never missed a communion in the first 50 years as an Elder”. Mr. James Jack moved away from the community in October of 1831, and Mr. Robert Sample replaced him in early 1832, serving over 54 years until his death on October 7, 1886. Ruling Elders were not elected for a fixed term on a rotating basis, but were elected to serve for their lifetime, or until dismissed for a valid reason.
Our First Communion
Back in the early 1800’s, it was the Presbyterian custom to celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on a semi-annual worship season that lasted four days. The Thursday evening preceding the Sunday of Communion was considered a “fast” day on which no work was done. Then, on Saturday, there was the “preparatory service”, during which “communion tokens” were distributed to the members considered worthy of a place at the communion table.
These “tokens” were refused to those known as sinners. If you did not receive a token, you could meet with the Session after the worship service, confess the error of your ways, and profess your repentance. If the Session believed and accepted your repentance as satisfactory, it would issue a token and restore you to full communion. But, they could also require that your confession be read in public from the pulpit.
The Rev. Robert Patterson was appointed to administer the first sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at Cross Roads on a future date to be decided at his discretion. He chose August 19, 1827. Rev. Abraham Boyd preached the Saturday preparatory sermon, and Rev. Patterson preached and administered the sacrament on the Sabbath.
Our First Minister
Presbyterian frontiersmen were very particular about their clergy. Above all, they required that a minister have a proper education and be able to deliver his sermon without notes. Christian Ministry was hard work and truly a labor of love. The salary was low, and often partly paid in farm produce or as labor on the “Pastor’s Place”, his home. Sometimes as a bonus, he was permitted to spend part of his time as a missionary.
Mr. John Moore came to Cross Roads on February 9, 1828, as a licentiate (one licensed to practice as a Preacher). On April 15, 1828, together with the Cranberry Plains and Deer Creek congregations, Cross Roads presented a call for his services.
Mr. Moore’s preparation for the ministry included two years of trials and probation. He had applied to Presbytery on June 13, 1826, as a Candidate for Ordained Ministry. Presbytery, having received testimonials as to his good character, connection with the church, and completion of his studies, orally examined him on his experiential acquaintance with religion and his knowledge of Latin and Greek. He was required to prepare an interpretation on whether Christ chose sinless life for himself without obedience to a higher power. He prepared a homily (sermon) on Matthew 7:11, a critical exercise on the first three verses of the Gospel of John, and a lecture on Ephesians 2:1-9.
Mr. Moore was then examined on “Systematick” Theology, his adoption of the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, and asked to answer, in the affirmative, all of the questions put to all candidates to be licensed. His licensure was completed on October 2, 1827, and he was given permission to preach as a probationer.
When the “call” was received, Presbytery set June 18, 1828, as the day of his ordination, completing two years as a licentiate. His sermon was to be “And Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom You Were Sealed for the Day of Redemption”, based on Ephesians 4:30. Presbytery, being fully satisfied, proceeded with his ordination and installed him as pastor of the congregations of Cranberry Plains, Deer Creek, and Cross Roads churches.
There were several other ministers who also received their ordination and started their ministry at Cross Roads. They were:
Rev. Leland McAboy September 25, 1838
Rev. J. D. Shanks October 15, 1872
Rev. Robert Porter May 3, 1882
Rev. Gil I. Wilson June 15, 1899
Rev. Fred Dent May 21, 1908
Rev. Willis E. Hogg June 12, 1913
Rev. Stephen Cramer September 6, 2008
Ministers (Per written histories and Session Minutes)
1826 – 1828 Rev. Francis Herron (Stated Supply)
Rev. Robert Patterson (Stated Supply)
Mr. Richard Campbell (Licentiate)
Mr. John Nesbett (Licentiate)
Rev. Elisha Swift (Stated Supply)
Rev. John Andrews (Stated Supply)
Rev. Abraham Boyd (Stated Supply)
1828-1837 Rev. John Moore (served Cross Roads, Cranberry Plains, and Deer Creek)
1838-1871 Rev. Leland McAboy (served Cross Roads and Cranberry Plains)
1872-1874 Rev. J. D. Shanks
1875-1881 Rev. John Little
1882-1887 Rev. Robert B. Porter
1891-1897 Rev. J. T. Mumford
1898-1908 Rev. Gil I. Wilson
1908-1910 Rev. Fred R. Dent
1910-1912 Rev. James E. Miller
1913-1918 Rev. Willis Hogg
1919-1926 Rev. J. E. Griffen
1928 Rev. Frank Crowe (Stated Supply)
1930 Rev. R. C. Van Camp (Stated Supply)
1932-1946 Rev. T. Ewing Thompson (Stated Supply)
1947-1948 Rev. Arthur Kaufman (Stated Supply)
1949 Rev. Robert McCune (Stated Supply)
1950-1952 Rev. Arthur Kaufman (Stated Supply)
1952-1958 Rev. George L. Kress (served Cross Roads/Pleasant Hills on Parish Plan)
1958-1961 Rev. Donald K. Welsh (first full time minister in 32 years)
1961-1970 Rev. William H. Popa
1970-1976 Rev. Ronald P. Sallade
1977-1999 Rev. John T. Campbell
2000-2001 Rev. John L. Sweitzer (Interim pastor)
2001-2003 Rev. Paul Becker, Jr.
2003- Aug. 2008 Rev. Dr. Robert F. Tuttle (Stated Supply)
Sept. 2008-2018 Rev. R. Stephen Cramer
Dec. 2019-July 2023 Rev. Nicole C. Atkinson
1826 – 1828 Rev. Francis Herron (Stated Supply)
Rev. Robert Patterson (Stated Supply)
Mr. Richard Campbell (Licentiate)
Mr. John Nesbett (Licentiate)
Rev. Elisha Swift (Stated Supply)
Rev. John Andrews (Stated Supply)
Rev. Abraham Boyd (Stated Supply)
1828-1837 Rev. John Moore (served Cross Roads, Cranberry Plains, and Deer Creek)
1838-1871 Rev. Leland McAboy (served Cross Roads and Cranberry Plains)
1872-1874 Rev. J. D. Shanks
1875-1881 Rev. John Little
1882-1887 Rev. Robert B. Porter
1891-1897 Rev. J. T. Mumford
1898-1908 Rev. Gil I. Wilson
1908-1910 Rev. Fred R. Dent
1910-1912 Rev. James E. Miller
1913-1918 Rev. Willis Hogg
1919-1926 Rev. J. E. Griffen
1928 Rev. Frank Crowe (Stated Supply)
1930 Rev. R. C. Van Camp (Stated Supply)
1932-1946 Rev. T. Ewing Thompson (Stated Supply)
1947-1948 Rev. Arthur Kaufman (Stated Supply)
1949 Rev. Robert McCune (Stated Supply)
1950-1952 Rev. Arthur Kaufman (Stated Supply)
1952-1958 Rev. George L. Kress (served Cross Roads/Pleasant Hills on Parish Plan)
1958-1961 Rev. Donald K. Welsh (first full time minister in 32 years)
1961-1970 Rev. William H. Popa
1970-1976 Rev. Ronald P. Sallade
1977-1999 Rev. John T. Campbell
2000-2001 Rev. John L. Sweitzer (Interim pastor)
2001-2003 Rev. Paul Becker, Jr.
2003- Aug. 2008 Rev. Dr. Robert F. Tuttle (Stated Supply)
Sept. 2008-2018 Rev. R. Stephen Cramer
Dec. 2019-July 2023 Rev. Nicole C. Atkinson