First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church (or First Lutheran Church in short) was founded in 1837 as the First English-speaking Lutheran church. The current church building was completed in 1888. The building is known for some beautiful pieces of ecclesiastical art, namely the mosaic of the Presentation above the altar, the tabernacle, the Good Shepherd window, and the free-standing altar.

For example, the Good Shepherd window in the north wall of the nave above the choir space came as a gift in 1898. This large window consists of more than 500 square feet of Tiffany Favrile glass. The image depicts in the center the Good Shepherd stands in the midst of his sheep, hands clasped and eyes toward heaven, interceding for his flock. The Good Shepherd are accompanied by two angels on each side, one holding the torch of faith together with the book of knowledge and the other holding a palm of victory in one hand and a crown of stars in the other.

If you are in the area, it is definitely worth paying the church a visit to see the beautiful arts in your own eyes.