SCHOOLS & CHURCHES:

(The following is just a brief outline of the history of our churches and schools. I hope some of you readers will be able to supply more complete histories of your churches so we can include them under the “Church History” link. If you would like to contribute, please contact me at the link on the menu page.) 

In 1850, a small, one-room school was built at the foot of McClure Street and William Hull taught there as long as the school survived. In 1855, a two room addition was built alongside, and Robert L. Riggs taught in the upstairs room, while Miss Lizzie Corey, who later became Mrs. William Whitaker, taught downstairs.

Another one-room school stood at the mouth of Martin’s Hollow near the German Lutheran Church. That school had to be moved when the railroad came through in 1873.

[The history I have states that the Amity Academy was established in 1896, on Washington Avenue. However, the History of Allegheny County, A. Warner & Co, 1889, says that W.J.E. McLain came to teach there in the 1870’s. Again, perhaps one of you can supply further information.]

A frame school building was built in 1891 at the corner of Third Street and Sherman Avenue and it was destroyed by fire in 1905. Classes were held in the Richards building and the German Lutheran Church until a new brick building was completed in 1906. Virtually everyone who grew up in Dravosburg, unless they attended parochial school, attended Third Street School. More information on the school will be added in the “School Records” link in the future.

Churches have always been an important part of the community life in Dravosburg. The German Lutheran Church was probably the first organized church in town. It was located at the mouth of Martin’s Hollow, just below North Hill. There was also a burial ground on the hill above the church. More information on this will appear under the “Church Records” link.

In the 1850’s the Union Sunday School was organized. In 1860, S.S. Crump took charge of the school for two years, and by 1866, Levi Risher had re-organized it into what became the Presbyterian Church. When Mr. Risher left in 1869, the pastors of First Presbyterian Church in McKeesport and Lebanon Church carried on the work. In 1870, Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Risher built the first Presbyterian Church building on Washington Avenue, and it was named Amity Presbyterian Church. The Risher’s son, Levi, returned in 1877 as regular pastor. In 1902 a parsonage was built at the corner of Mound Avenue and Raymond Street, and subsequently lots were purchased for a new church on Euclid Avenue. Work started on the new church in 1924, and it still stands today. 

The Methodist Evangelical Church was organized October 31, 1889. Reverand Marshall B. Lytle held services in the German Lutheran Church on Fifth Street until the summer of 1900. In the mean time a tabernacle was built at the corner of Third Street and Euclid Avenue. This later became the home of James Cothery, Sr. The church building was built across the street, completed in 1902, and dedicated by Bishop J.W. Hamilton of Pittsburgh.

On October 6, 1901, the Sunday school of the First Christian Church met and organized in the public school building with the Reverend J. A. Joyce presiding. A new church was built on the corner of Duquesne Avenue and Raymond Street on a site which was donated by S.S. Crump. The first service was held on January 18, 1902.