A Brief History of Memorial Park Church

Memorial Park Presbyterian Church was founded as a mission congregation of the United Presbyterian Church of North America in 1941. It was located in [what was then] the relatively rural and undeveloped area of the North Hills of Pittsburgh. The first worship services were held in the old Peebles School building, at the corner of Duncan Avenue and Peebles Road.

In the ensuing sixty years, the congregation moved twice, but never very far. In 1944, during the difficult war years, the church purchased land for a permanent site, one-half mile from the schoolhouse where its meetings were held. Their first building was an old Lutheran church that had been disassembled, moved from another part of Pittsburgh, and reassembled on the property.

By the late 1950’s, under the leadership of the first permanently called pastor, Rev. Charles Skuce, the congregation had outgrown the building and property on Sample Road. A 7-acre piece of ground at Duncan and Peebles was acquired, across from their original meeting place, and the congregation broke ground for their new worship space in 1961. An attached educational wing was completed in 1963.

Over the next two decades, under the pastorates of Rev. Richard Todd and Rev. Jerald Landrey, Memorial Park’s membership grew, reflecting the dramatic growth experienced in the northern suburbs. The church became known for its significant ministry to teens, its music program, mission emphasis and, later, its ministry to single adults.

In 1990, Rev. Douglas Pratt was called as Senior Pastor. Since that time, he has built a dedicated team of associate pastors and lay specialists to serve the congregation. The facility was updated and expanded to accommodate the large staff, a Christian preschool, and sacred arts ministry. In all things, Memorial Park has sought to fulfill its mission to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, becoming a community of friendship and mutual support, while making a positive difference in the world. Through sound preaching, inspiring and innovative worship, strong programming for children and youth, and a commitment to share the Good News with all peoples, the church has welcomed many, to the glory of God.

Recent milestones in the church’s life included the celebration of our 60th anniversary as a congregation, the founding of a new “daughter church” in southern Butler County (to our north), and the completion of our newest facility: the Clayton Community Youth Center.