Since 1810, the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary has faithfully trained pastors and others for service in Christ’s kingdom. RPTS, the fourth oldest seminary in the United States, operated in various locations in the Eastern US until the mid-1800s when a more permanent home was found on Pittsburgh’s North Side. In 1923, the Seminary moved again into the former home of Durbin Horne of Hornes Department Stores in Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood. This wonderful home for theological training, now known as Rutherford Hall, has been a stable and sturdy place for preparing shepherds for the Lord’s flocks around the globe.
In recognition of a century of ministry in this exact location, the Board of Trustees of RPTS called for a year-long celebration, including lectures, tours, and the raising of $500,000 to Preserve, Renew, and Beautify Rutherford Hall and a few other areas of the campus.
Projects include:
Parking Lot Repairs and Resurfacing
Willson Center Roof Repairs
Light Fixture Upgrades
Front Office Renovations
1st-floor Restroom Renovation
East Entry Safety Upgrades
105/107 Carnegie Place Renovation
Classroom Furniture Replacements
AC Upgrades
Basement Completion
Landscaping Renovations
Robert Bibby, member of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees and the Chair of the 100 Years in Rutherford Hall Campaign, has this to say about the current home of RPTS.
“After over 100 years of teaching in constantly changing locations and in less-than-optimum facilities, it was clear that something had to be done to provide a better and more permanent location for the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS). As early as 1912, the students petitioned the Board to change the location of the seminary, and in the spring of 1922, the students renewed their appeal.
In God’s providence, in 1923, the home of the son of the founder of the Horne Department Store chain came up for sale. This home was a substantial brick mansion built at the turn of the century with wonderful grassy wooded grounds, set back from the street, and had significant room for classrooms, a library, and a place for students to stay. For the total sum of $40,000, the seminary would have a wonderful location that many had hoped for.
This 125-year-old, beautiful, well-built, and stately building has been the Seminary’s home for a hundred years. And like many older buildings, it needs significant tender loving care. With appropriate workmanship and materials, this could be the Seminary’s home for another 100 years, should the Lord tarry. For over 200 years, RPTS has stood strong, standing on the foundation of God’s Word and resisting the trend of many seminaries to move away from that faithful foundation.
As a part of the Reformed Presbyterian Family, we are thankful for the Lord’s provision of Rutherford Hall. In light of this, we would encourage you to help support the 100 years in Rutherford Hall Preservation Campaign so that, Lord willing, this wonderful facility will continue to serve many generations to come.”
Keith Wing, a ruling elder, notes, “The wisdom of the denominations’ decision to purchase a building that was built by one who could afford the best of construction techniques and practices is being proven as we can now see that this facility can continue in service for at least as many years forward as it has served in the past. This is truly an investment that has given and will give many, many returns.”
Brad Stewart, RPTS Board Member and professional contractor, comments about the soundness of Rutherford Hall, “Even though the building is well over 100 years old, the woodwork still looks incredible. To keep it looking that way, work needs to be done to the roof and some other places to keep water out of the building which is a building’s worst enemy. Any investment to keep up and maintain the building is money well spent to keep such a beautiful facility.”
Much work has already been completed.
Basement Before
After
You can learn more about the 100 Years in Rutherford Hall by contacting Mark Sampson at [email protected] or (412) 731-6000.