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  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
      • New Hope Rising Live
      • The Historic Holy Cross
      • Resources & Publications
    • Christian Education
    • Upcoming At The Cross
      • Thunderbirds at The Cross
      • Donate To Toy Giveaway
    • Ways to Give
      • Legacy Giving
    • Building Community
    • Ministry At Holy Cross
      • How to Serve at The Cross
    • Press
      • Thunderbirds at The Cross
      • Toy Drive&Tree Lighting
    • Donation via paypal

(412) 242-3209

Faithful! Visible! Uplifting!

Faithful! Visible! Uplifting!Faithful! Visible! Uplifting!Faithful! Visible! Uplifting!
  • Home
  • About Us
    • New Hope Rising Live
    • The Historic Holy Cross
    • Resources & Publications
  • Christian Education
  • Upcoming At The Cross
    • Thunderbirds at The Cross
    • Donate To Toy Giveaway
  • Ways to Give
    • Legacy Giving
  • Building Community
  • Ministry At Holy Cross
    • How to Serve at The Cross
  • Press
    • Thunderbirds at The Cross
    • Toy Drive&Tree Lighting
  • Donation via paypal

History of The Church of the Holy Cross

Prior to the formation of an organized and separate place of worship, African American Episcopalians 

in Pittsburgh belonged to their local church.  In the late 1800’s, several Blacks, concerned about the social isolation of their children and the segregated religious setting they experienced, began to push for the establishment of a separate mission to serve their needs.  Among those who were instrumental in this effort was Sadie B. Hamilton, a graduate of Wilberforce University and a life-long Episcopalian.  In response to this request in 1875, Bishop John Barrett Kerfoot (1816-1881) of the Diocese of Pittsburgh brought the Reverend W. F. Floyd to Pittsburgh to establish a mission among the “colored people” of this community.  As a result of this effort, St. Cyprian’s Mission was established and met in Trinity Church parish house.  In December 1877, The Reverend W. F. Floyd transferred to Cincinnati.


On January 15, 1878, The Reverend William Wilson was ordained to the Priesthood in Trinity Church by Bishop Kerfoot and placed in charge of St. Cyprian’s Mission, which held services in a building on Wylie Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.  The Reverend Wilson left Pittsburgh in 1897 and St. Cyprian’s Mission was closed by Bishop Cortlandt Whitehead (1882-1922).  The mission was reopened at the Church Army Headquarters under Captain William B. Anderson and Captain G. P. Hance  (d.1954), who later became Brother Hance, founder of St. Barnabas Home.  The mission was moved to a storeroom at the corner of Centre Avenue and Roberts Streets in the Hill District where Captain Anderson and Oliver G. Walter, a layman, conducted the services.  


Find out more

Growing Up At The Cross

Dr Leon Haley Sr

Dr Leon Haley Sr

Dr Leon Haley Sr

"Holy Cross been a place of comfort and spiritual growth. We are a family and I have enjoyed serving the church in many capacities. Our work beyond the walls of our building into the community has been invaluable to my understanding of the gospel message." 

Verna Crichlow

Dr Leon Haley Sr

Dr Leon Haley Sr

“As an Islander and lifelong member of Holy Cross the rich tradition and history of the church often reminds me of home."

Helen Hughes

Dr Leon Haley Sr

Jean D. Bolden

"At Holy Cross I just don't feel that I am just one member or a number, but I feel strongly that my service to the church and the community has value." 

Jean D. Bolden

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

Jean D. Bolden

"I am proud to say that all of my children and even their children were confirmed at Holy Cross. Each of them are successful in life because of the foundation of a good Christian Education."

Tee Tee

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

"I feel like this church is the best thing for me. They care and I have so much fun in the summer and after school programs and I am learning about how to use the bible on my smart phone." 

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

Obiero Steave-Onyundo

"As a Holy Cross Young Adult, I really appreciate being able to actually take part in all aspects of the service. “

New Hope Rising Publications

Files coming soon.


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