| Carlton Strong, (1869-1931), a noted Pittsburgh
architect, designed Incarnation of the Lord Parish, formerly Nativity
of Our Lord Church, in 1925. Strong is best known for the churches
he designed in the Pittsburgh area that speak of praise in the
language
of brick, stone and steeple. He designed Incarnation with a dramatic
interior-painted beamed roof.
Presently, Incarnation of the Lord Parish and Incarnation Academy,
a K-8 grade elementary school, serve the community of Observatory
Hill and North Hills. Incarnation of the Lord Parish was established
in 1993, as part of the diocesan reorganization. The parish was
formed by the merger of Annunciation and Nativity parishes.
Last year, a fire destroyed the original altar and caused tremendous
smoke damage to the interior of the Church. The parishioners celebrated
Mass in Incarnation Academys school cafeteria until Bishop
Wuerl dedicated the new altar and sanctuary on December 22, 2002.
The stained glass from the former Annunciation Church was installed
in the area behind the new altar. Father John Bachkay states,
We tried to bring elements of Annunciation and renew things
that were important to Nativity and truly celebrate them. We are Incarnation Parish now. That was important.
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