Weathervane

Object number2015.58.8

MediumMetal/Paint

Credit LineGift of Birmingham United Church of Christ

DescriptionRooster weathervane. Metal painted gold. Rooster form in profile perched atop a bar. Various metal sections that have been welded together. Metal is shaped to form rooster feathers/plumage and details. Body is hollow and tail feathers are three sheets of metal bolted together at center.Dimensions48 x 43.25 x 5.5 in. (121.9 x 109.9 x 14 cm)
Historical NotesThis rooster weathervane was brought from Germany and became a symbol of the church. Roosters on churches have been common since a ninth century pope said all churches should have a rooster on its steeple to symbolize Peter's denial of Christ before the rooster crowed. Part of a collection of items from the Birmingham United Church of Christ. The Birmingham United Church of Christ, originally chartered in June of 1846 as a United Evangelical Protestant Church, arose from the efforts of German-speaking residents living in the borough of Birmingham (now the South Side of Pittsburgh) who had worshipped at the Smithfield Street United Evangelical Protestant Church. Their first building was on Tenth and Bradford Street. In 1866, they laid the cornerstone for a brand new building at the corner of 17th and Jane Streets. In 1913, they began to conduct services in English as less and less congregants understood German. In 1924, the Birmingham Church joined other United Evangelical Protestant Churches in the General Council of Congregational Churches. In 1951, the church moved again to the South Hills on Ormsby Avenue, and in 1964, affiliated themselves with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches.

Previous owner Birmingham United Church of Christ

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