A group of people praying together with their hands in prayer.

Helping Individuals Grow Spiritually

At the Church of Christ, we aim to create a nurturing environment where individuals can grow spiritually and deepen their faith in Jesus Christ. We are committed to providing a supportive community through worship, education, and outreach. Discover more about our journey, values, and how we strive to impact our local and spiritual communities positively.

Our Beliefs and Principles

We are followers of the doctrine of Christ. We seek to study and practice the only word of God, the Bible. We are not bound by denominational ties, traditions, doctrines, or organizations. We are not a denomination. We have no creeds or confessions of faith; the Bible alone is our source of faith (Romans 10:17). We strive to practice simple New Testament Christianity. We desire to be the church that Christ built (Matthew 16:18)--the church of Christ (Romans 16:16).

What We Offer

  • Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
    Join us for a spiritually enriching service filled with worship and community fellowship.
  • Sunday Bible Class: 9:45 AM
    Engage in deep study and discussion of the Bible to strengthen your understanding and faith.
  • Tuesday Bible Class: 7:30 PM
    Participate in our evening class to explore Biblical teachings and connect with fellow members.

Our Worship

Our worship may appear distinctive as we choose to sing a cappella instead of using instrumental music. According to the New Testament, worship music under Christ’s rule involves singing words of praise to God and teaching one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We also observe the Lord's Supper each week as instructed by the Bible (Acts 20:7). Our preaching is grounded in Scripture, with a focus on "speaking as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11), so you can expect numerous Bible quotations in our sermons. We practice giving as we prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1,2), and our prayers are offered to the Father through the Son (Colossians 3:17). Our worship may not be elaborate or flashy, but it is sincerely aimed at fulfilling God's command to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

A young girl is praying with her hands folded together.

Historical Background

A group of people standing in front of a building.

Camp Stoneman During Wartime

During World War II, the area now known as Pittsburgh, CA, was home to Camp Stoneman, the largest troop staging facility on the West Coast. This camp played a crucial role as the primary departure point for over a million soldiers heading to the Pacific Theater. It also served a key role during the Korean War, continuing its mission of preparing troops for overseas deployment. After these conflicts, the camp was repurposed as a separation center, designed to expedite the process of sending returning soldiers back to their homes.

Post-War Decline and Closure

Following World War II, the activity at Camp Stoneman gradually diminished. Although it saw a resurgence during the Korean War, it was ultimately slated for closure in 1954. The closure led to significant changes in the town, including a major auction in 1960, which marked the largest of its kind in Pittsburgh's history. During this auction, the General Services Administration (GSA) sold off 750 buildings, including 342 two-story barracks and 79 one-story administrative buildings, along with various other structures. By the end of 1960, most of these buildings had been removed, and the remaining solidly constructed facilities, including warehouses and chapels, were sold along with the 1,000 acres of main garrison land.

Source: Camp Stone man National Archives

New Beginnings

Early Leadership

The Diane Avenue Church of Christ has a history of over 40 years, rooted in a vision that continues to guide us today. The church was initially led by Brother Ester, followed by a series of dedicated preachers, including Brother Emmit Cook, Brother Tim Luster, Brother Charles Coleman, Brother Fred Ford, Brother Ervin Byrdsong, Brother Lamont Francies, and Brother L.R. Stevenson, who currently serves as our minister. The church building itself was assembled with the assistance of the East Tregalis congregation, using two army barracks salvaged from the former Camp Stoneman.

Community Engagement and Support

In the early days, financial constraints meant the church could not afford a minister. To support the church, various congregations provided monthly assistance. Additionally, the Bayview Church of Christ played a significant role in community outreach, with volunteers conducting door-to-door visits to establish classes, which were crucial for the church's growth.

Mission and Commitment

Today, Diane Avenue Church of Christ remains steadfast in the community, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Christ as outlined in the scriptures. Our mission is to uphold God's worship and foster a deep love for Christ, a commitment to righteousness, and an awareness of our responsibilities to God and each other. We are devoted to living out our faith and demonstrating Christ's spirit through worship and ministry, addressing the needs of both our church and the broader community.

A close up of the bible on top of it.

Connect Now

Contact us today and explore how we can support and grow together in faith. Whether you have questions about our services, want to learn more about our programs, or are interested in becoming involved with our community, we are here to assist you.

Get in Touch

Just Have Fun

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