Join SVHS on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church when Reverend Dr. Derek Davenport shares the history and lasting legacy of Reverend Dr. Joseph Bittinger both for the Sewickley Presbyterian Church and the Sewickley Valley.
Countless influences come together to shape a community. Our common life is woven together by so many threads. Art uplifts a neighborhood. Powerful words inspire its residents. Organizations provide structure and opportunity. Many artists, writers, and organizations have shaped our community – but it is a rare leader who contributes to all three of those threads.
Joseph Bittinger was one such leader. Serving our community in the years after the Civil War, Bittinger was able to weave a legacy by shaping the art and architecture of the village, writing and preaching to its residents, and founding organizations and societies that continue to influence our life together.
Join us on Thursday, October 16, as SVHS explores the art and architecture, words and wisdom, the life and legacy of Joseph Bittinger. Rev. Dr. Derek R. Davenport, head pastor of Sewickley Presbyterian Church, will guide us through Bittinger’s impact on Sewickley and the surrounding area - from stone monuments to poetry - in “Woven in Stone: The Legacy of Joseph Bittinger.”
This event will be held at Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA. 15143.
About the Speaker:
A third-generation minister, Rev. Dr. Derek R. Davenport has served in both congregational and higher education settings throughout his career in ministry. He first became acquainted with Sewickley Presbyterian Church as a guest speaker in 2017 before leaving higher ed to begin his time as Head of Staff in 2021.
Derek received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from Grove City College and his Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. As his ministry began, Derek became fascinated with the interplay between faith and art. This led him to complete a Master of Theology degree which focused on the history and theology of church architecture. His studies then culminated with a PhD at Robert Morris University where his dissertation explored the cognitive dimensions of multisensory teaching and preaching.
Please note the venue: This lecture will take place at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Advance registration requested via the SVHS website, or by contacting the SVHS office at 412-741-5315 |
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