Friendship Community Church uses grant funds to support community programs and outreach initiatives.

Friendship Community Church has long been a cornerstone of service in the West Oakland neighborhood, offering a space where people from diverse backgrounds can gather, connect, and find support. The Corner, a community hub located across from the church on Robinson Street, has become a vital part of this mission. Originally home to Breach Menders Ministries, the building was purchased by the church over a decade ago to provide social and safety net programming focused on the arts, social justice advocacy, and education. The goal was to create a welcoming environment outside of traditional church settings, where individuals could meet neighbors, share experiences, and access essential resources.

The Corner’s arts programming plays a key role in attracting community members who may not regularly attend church services. Jazz performances, poetry readings, and spoken word events have become popular draws, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural exchange. Nadine Masagara-Taylor, executive director of The Corner, emphasizes that the space is open to all residents of West Oakland, Oak Hill, the Hill District, and the Greater Pittsburgh area. “It’s just a space for people of all backgrounds and nationalities to come together and connect with one another through conversation,” she says.

In support of its mission, Friendship Community Church recently received a Small and Mighty grant of nearly $12,000 from The Pittsburgh Foundation. This grant aligns with the Foundation’s 100 Percent Pittsburgh initiative, which aims to ensure that individuals living at or near the poverty line have access to opportunities in the region’s revitalized economy. The funding helps sustain programs that provide essential services to the community, including tutoring for students.

Friendship Community Church was founded in 1955 and has undergone significant changes over the years. Originally established in a building purchased by the Pittsburgh Presbytery from a Polish congregation, the church has seen its membership fluctuate. However, recent growth has brought new life to the congregation. Young couples moving into the neighborhood and an increase in college students have contributed to a rise in attendance. These new members, predominantly white, have helped diversify the church’s membership and reinforce its commitment to serving a multi-cultural community.

Pastor McLain, who became the church’s leader in 2005, notes that the Pittsburgh Presbytery intentionally planted the church as an integrated congregation. The neighborhood, particularly Terrace Village, has long been a multi-ethnic community, and the church’s mission reflects that diversity. This intentional approach has helped the church remain rooted in its purpose of serving the local community through outreach, education, and social support.

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