In 1862, in
an effort to raise money for the completion of the
sanctuary, reserved pews were rented to the
congregation. However, they were not popular
and were scrapped the following year. The sanctuary
was later finished in 1883, at a cost of
$30,900.11. Click
here
to view an enlarged photo. (Please allow
extra time for downloading.) Twelve paired, geometric
windows, representing the twelve disciples, were
purchased from Advance Stained Glass of Norwalk,
Ohio, at a cost of $960.14. Each window stands 15 feet
tall and 35 inches wide and is held in by a thick
wooden frame. These windows are American-made
from cathedral glass with stenciled
designs. The Chancel area is shown
at left. The organ makes use of 1,792 pipes; a
sample of which is seen in the background.
The current sanctuary was
dedicated on June 20, 1884, by Reverend Bishop
Fowler. Reverend Sleppy was the pastor at
that time. The total cost was $45,000,
including the organ, clock and bell. Judge J.W.F.
White, an Allegheny County judge and SUMC member,
loaned $2,138.11 for the improvements, but was
never repaid, according to Reverend Sleppy's note
of 1884. The main Cross is suspended
above the Chancel area. ©
2003 Sewickley United Methodist Church
The
Sanctuary
www.sewickleyumc.org
Revised 11-14-03
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