The lectern stands on a small platform on the east end of the chapel at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS). Rev. Sam McCracken, a 2018 graduate, recalls how the top edges of the pulpit were well worn by the hands of hundreds of men who, as part of their training, had preached before him. “I like things that are worn from much use but are still strong and serve their purpose just as well as ever,” notes Sam. “Much about the Seminary could fit a similar description.”

Perched on a slight rise, a stately old edifice stands amid an urban landscape, traffic streaming by. Completed in the late 1890s, “The Gables” was the home of the Durbin Horne family, son of Joseph Horne, founder of the well-known Horne’s Department Store chain. Readers familiar with Jane Austen’s or James Herriot’s literary works will recall the common English practice of naming homes, hence “The Gables.” The building was designed with a European theme, including the landscaping with imported European Beech trees.

The Gables was not alone in its grandeur. The Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa., was home to more millionaires at the turn of the 20th Century than anywhere else in the world. Horne was neighbors with Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, George Westinghouse, and many others. Today, only the Frick mansion and The Gables are open to the public.

The Memorial Building, the Seminary’s prior home located in what is now known as Pittsburgh’s North Side, no longer suited the needs of the students or faculty in the early 1920s. In particular, the faculty reported to the Seminary board that even “suitable housing, scarcely fit for human habitation” was nonexistent for students. They recommended that a new home would “revolutionize the present conditions of Seminary life.”

In 1923, the Trustees of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) authorized the purchase of a building on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh’s East End to house the Seminary. Classes began in 1924 with adequate housing, classrooms, and room for an expanding library. Another name was added to the building, “Rutherford Hall,” near the turn of this current century to honor Scottish theologian Samuel Rutherford.

In celebration of a century of theological training in its current location, the Board of Trustees has authorized “100 Years in Rutherford Hall,” a campaign to preserve, restore, and beautify various portions of campus.

Through the years, the RPCNA has invested funds to repair and update Rutherford Hall to meet students’ needs and maintain the building’s structure and integrity. In the 1960s, a chapel/classroom was added to the original portico entrance. In the 1970s, a two-story library annex was added. In the 1990s, upgrades were made to windows, and an elevator was added. In recent years, work began to replace the gables (structural and decorative features on the building’s exterior), and funding was pledged via a bequest to replace the roof. Grant money was obtained to implement a digital learning platform that permits students worldwide to take classes. Significant work has been undertaken to renovate the kitchen and basement spaces and refurbish the first floor’s original quarter-sawn white oak flooring.

The 100 Years Campaign has a target of $500,000 that will, Lord willing, repair the parking lot, replace the leaking roof on the Willson Center, renovate the first-floor restroom, and modernize and update various aging air conditioning systems. What’s more, it will enable RPTS to improve the safety and appearance of the east entrance to Rutherford Hall, update aging and failing classroom furniture (campus-wide), update and renovate basement restrooms, replace all fluorescent light fixtures with LED lighting, and renovate Rutherford Hall’s main entrance and reception area. Additionally, the replacement of the Seminary’s five aging and poorly functioning boilers was intended to be included in the campaign; however, the heating system’s failure in late 2022 necessitated moving that project forward.

One might wonder at the wisdom of continued investments such as these in a building that is so old. Rutherford Hall is different from your average building. Keith Wing, a former RPTS board member, has a long history with the Seminary, investing significant time to help with planning and understanding the physical structure of the building. “We have torn out original plaster and found walls without cracks or fissures,” notes Wing. “Door frames are square, and the stone mortar is intact and strong.”

The strength of the building can be attributed to thick walls and larger beams spaced much closer than today’s standards. Even the framing carpentry behind the walls is of the highest quality with a finished appearance, plumb and exceedingly strong. Brad Stewart spent time this summer stripping one of the original floors. In addition to his contracting work, he is on the Board of Trustees. Stewart notes framing is likely Southern yellow pine, which is very durable and unlikely to sag. Trying to replicate just the trim and floors would bear an astronomical cost and be of inferior quality, as these materials just aren’t available.

Wing confirms that the denomination’s decision to purchase a building built by one who could afford the best construction techniques is being proven wise. “It is very evident 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,” reflects Wing.

RPTS president Dr. Barry York states, “One of the things that I like to say about Rutherford Hall is that the Lord has given us a beautiful home for this ministry. That being the case, our Seminary community works hard at being a loving family in Christ here.”

Students and alumni agree with this sentiment. Bryan Dage, a 2016 graduate, recalled how the homey atmosphere of the building perfectly reflects the family concept. “The way that the faculty and staff treat the students—like a family—makes for a great learning experience,” says Dage. One of the reasons he chose to study at RPTS is because of the accessibility of the faculty to the students outside of class.

Pastor Joseph Friedly earned a master of divinity in 2017 and is the pastor of Black Forest (Colorado Springs, Colo.) RPC. While taking classes online was helpful, being able to study on campus was foundational. “The environment at RPTS is ideal for preparing for ministry,” reminisced Friedly, who currently serves on the RPTS Board of Trustees. “The atmosphere of Rutherford Hall (both the physical setting and the people) aids in a place of rich study and deliberative debate. The library provided a quiet retreat to focus, while the public spaces allowed for extended conversation and prayer.” Pastor Friedly fondly recalls how the close relationships he cultivated with various professors encouraged his studies and has been an even richer blessing in ministry.

Through 2023, there will be a series of special events. The first was a book release as Dr. C. J. Williams spoke about his latest volume, The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Lamentations. In addition to talking about the writing process, Dr. Williams took questions from attendees and inter-acted individually with participants. The next event was the annual RPTS Support Dinner in mid-March, as more details of the 100 Years in Rutherford Hall Campaign were discussed. Over the course of 2023–24, various events are planned, including historical lectures, music concerts, and social gatherings on campus and in other venues.

A unique cooperative event is planned in October with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLMF). PHLMF has included Rutherford Hall on a walking tour of Point Breeze. This event, date to be determined, will consist of historians and docents providing information about Rutherford Hall and the neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to explore the building, learning more about the history and mission of the Seminary.

Psalm 84 has become the theme psalm for the Seminary: “Advancing still from strength to strength, they go where other pilgrims trod” (Psalm 84B, The Book of Psalms for Worship). Each year, RPTS students do precisely this. Their studies, built upon the true foundation of God’s holy and inerrant Word, prepare them to advance where generations of faithful servants have journeyed.

More information about the 100 Years in Rutherford Hall Campaign will be available in the com-ing months, with opportunities to contribute to preserving, restoring, and beautifying Rutherford Hall. The Seminary community is grateful for the prayerful consideration of support by those who are interested in the further expansion of Christ’s kingdom. Gifts may be forwarded to the Semi-nary in Pittsburgh, Pa. Online contributions may be made via the website. For information on pledges or donations of IRAs or investments, please contact Mark Sampson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

There is something special about Rutherford Hall. Sam McCracken offers one perspective. “The age and history of the building were a reminder that we were training to pass on the faith once delivered to the saints and that we were not a part of something novel, but ancient and timeless.” For McCracken, the history of the building and the decades of pastoral training reminded him that his current efforts are built upon the shoulders of generations of faithful servants who have labored for Christ.