James Street Methodist Church

Tracing its origins back to the early 20th, century the James Street Methodist Church was built on the present day site of Mt Calvary Baptist Church.

The first service was held in 1904. This was a Sunday school service and was held in the old hose house, a landmark at the top of the hill above Maplewood Ave.

The church was first called Vincent's Chapel, which was later changed to Swissvale Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. Still later, this was changed to James Street Methodist Episcopal church to avoid being confused with the Methodist church in Swissvale.

The Sunday school grew from week to week and the church slowly began to form around it. In 1905, the James Street church at the corner of James and Swissvale was finally dedicated.

In 1925, an annex and and new front part of the building comprising 12 rooms and a gymnasium were added to the main building.

More info in our digital archives!