Our History
Maplewood Presbyterian Church was formed in 1964 through the merger of the Greensburg United
Presbyterian Church and the Calvary Presbyterian Church.
1963
The merger began as the congregation found a piece of land in the Maplewood Terrace area of
Greensburg with plenty of space for both a new building and parking. The congregation voted on
October 9 to buy this site and begin construction of a new building for worship and education.
Groundbreaking services took place in less than three weeks! Construction of the current Maplewood
building began on October 28, and the cornerstone was laid eleven months later on September 27,
1964. The Calvary church building was sold and the proceeds used for the new church.
1964
The first worship service in the present building was on October 25, 1964 with 287 in attendance.
In Sunday School that day were 137! Rev. J. Arthur Depew was the pastor at this time but resigned
shortly thereafter to provide an opportunity for the new congregation to establish its own identity with a new pastor.
1966
The Rev. Lee Page became the pastor of Maplewood on June 26. During his thirty years the
congregation matured from a newly-merged people into a well-integrated family. His years at
Maplewood were filled with innovative programs and worship, and a clear focus was to weave family
ties throughout the membership.
1996
Rev. Page resigns in March. Rev. Robert Upton was called to serve as interim minister.
1997
Maplewood extended a call to the Rev. Stephen M. LaSor to serve as minister on September 7.
Rev. LaSor was installed in November.
2002
The Session voted to begin a Renovation of Sanctuary project for the purpose of enhancing the
church’s worship space and experience as well as to upgrade the sanctuary facilities. The renovation
project was completed at a cost of $135,000.
2003
A Service of Rededication was held, rededicating the sanctuary to the Glory of God on May 18.
2004 – Maplewood Presbyterian Church celebrated its 40 th Anniversary throughout the year, marking
progress over the years in its faith-based Mission, establishing the congregation as “family” in its work
and fellowship activities, and in caring for each other. It also celebrated the forming of active youth faith
and fellowship programs, and expansion of its music programs and choir.
2014
Diamond Jubilee – Maplewood celebrated its 50 th Anniversary. The Church continued to improve
and expand its Christian education programs, as well as outreach programs to serve others in the
Greensburg community and beyond.
2024
Maplewood’s 60th Anniversary – Celebrating each month the continued improvements in our
Mission, Outreach and Service over the years. Maplewood’s Worship services and sermons of the Word
continue to make Christ known to our welcoming and caring congregation members and visitors. Amidst
an increasingly troubled world people come to Maplewood and See and know Christ better.
Our Stained Glass Windows
They are stand-out features of Maplewood, whether driving by or attending services; those soaring, jewel-toned faceted windows are admired and enjoyed. But their history, how they came about, and what significance they may have, has been an unknown for many of our members and guests... until now.
The most prominent window in the chancel is easily visible both inside and out and is perhaps the single most prominent architectural feature of our church. Featuring the three crosses, it is entitled Crucifixion, and was commissioned by the Reboy family in memory of their 18-year-old on Peter, who died in a motorcycle accident on May 31, 1962. Designed by Roy Culligan of Hunt Stained Glass Studios, Inc. of Pittsburgh for $1,900, the faceted/resin cast window is in ten sections, set in an aluminum frame and was installed in conjunction with the building design and construction. It was dedicated in 1964 along with the building, known at that time as Greensburg United Presbyterian.
The window over the sanctuary’s exit to the Narthex is best admired and appreciated from within the sanctuary. The Wast family commissioned the Resurrection/ Recreation window from the same Hunt Stained Glass Studios in memory of Peter Wast, who died August 27, 1979. Created by Nicholas Parrendo (one of the studio artists at that time, now owner of the studios), this faceted/resin cast window cost $5,320. The following description was included in the August 10, 1980 dedication service:
“New life (the butterfly) bursts forth in all its splendor as the Son of righteousness and the King of Glory. In addition to the butterfly, twelve stars symbolize the disciples, a crown for Jesus as King, and a red rose can also be found in the design. The rose has been a common Christian symbol since the 1200s. It may be used to represent the Messianic promise, the nativity of Christ or His martyrdom.”
Our Early Historical Roots
1857
The Greensburg United Presbyterian Church was organized with 26 charter members, and a year
later became a part of the United Presbyterian Church of North America which was formed in
Pittsburgh, PA. in 1858. For almost 20 years this small congregation struggled for existence with
intermittent pastoral ministry, irregular services and no permanent place of worship. The former
Reformed Presbyterian Church, no longer existent, was used from 1873 to 1881.
1880
The congregation began the building of a house of worship on the corner of South Pennsylvania
Ave and West Third Street in Greensburg. The building was of red brick and simple Gothic design,
costing $5,000 and was dedicated in June 1881. At this time there were 53 members.
1907
Under the leadership of Dr. W. J. McMichael, the first building was razed and a new structure
erected at a cost of $45,000. Dr. McMichael served as pastor for 39 years until his death in 1946, and
during these years the church grew in membership and ministry to the community and around the
world.
1947
The chancel area of the sanctuary was reconstructed and the organ renovated. From 1947 to
1956
there were three pastors and during this period the church suffered a period of slow decline in
membership.
1957
The church celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. Under the Rev. Robert Jones, a
renovation program was begun and the Fellowship Hall was the first part completed at a cost of
$35,000. This greatly improved the facilities of the church and brought new growth and life to its
program.
1958
The merger of the United Presbyterian Church of North American and the Presbyterian Church in
the US took place, and the United Presbyterian Church USA was formed. With this merger, there were
now four local congregations of the denomination, all with buildings in the downtown Greensburg area.
1962
The membership voted to unite with the Calvary Presbyterian Church to form a new
congregation.
1912
Missionary work was begun among those coming from Europe to live in Greensburg, to enable
them to become established in the Protestant faith. The work was carried on by home missionaries with
the assistance of First Presbyterian Church.
1917
The Rev. James Pratte was appointed by the Board of National Missions under the Blairsville
Presbytery to serve the Italian Mission in Greensburg and other missions in Western Pennsylvania. A
place for Worship, Sunday School and other activities was established on the fourth floor of the Ogden
Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. An Americanization School was started to prepare the way for
citizenship, and many other activities were provided to nourish the social, cultural, and religious life of
the members and their children. However, facilities were inadequate.
1927
A building was purchased on Second Street as a permanent place of worship, and the name of
Italian Mission was changed to Calvary Presbyterian Church. This building was renovated to meet the
needs of the growing congregation.
1951
Further improvements were made to provide a Fellowship Hall for Sunday School and social
activities. This work was done and paid for by the members of the church.
1957
The Rev. James Pratte resigned after serving as pastor for 40 years. During his dedicated ministry
three generations became members of the church and many went forth to serve Christ in other
communities and churches.
1958
The Rev. Robert Harvey began his ministry of several years. The merger of Presbyterian Church
US with the United Presbyterian Church NA made ministry of the church difficult because of the four
local congregations which were so close to each other.
1962
The Calvary congregation voted to unite with Greensburg.