Pittsburgh, PA History The landmark building with its tall spire can be seen for miles around. The beautiful grounds at Providence Heights offer an oasis in the midst of the busy North Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh. The property is fronted by a lake and dotted with trees, many of which have been donated in honor or in memory of others. Wedding parties often request permission to use the property for their wedding photographs.
The bell tower at Providence Heights holds three bells. The bells were blessed on May 30, 1926 and lifted to the bell tower to proclaim the Angelus three times each day. The bells were automated in 1999 as part of the building restoration. They ring at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. daily. The bells also ring for Sisters' funerals, jubilees and other Community celebrations.
In order of size, largest to smallest, the bells were christened: Providentia, with the inscription, We exalt Thy Providence , O Lord, and we submit to all its decrees. Laudate, inscribed, Praise the Lord all ye nations, praise Him all ye peoples. Ave Maria, proclaiming, Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
At one time, the cross atop the building was painted in gold leaf. During World War II, the Sisters were asked to paint over the shiny gold leaf to prevent it from serving as a landmark to enemy aircraft. Due to increases in the cost of gold leaf, the paint was not restored. However, as part of the repairs undertaken after a devastating microburst in 1999, and because gold leaf became affordable once more, the cross was restored to its former brilliance.
 Upon their arrival in Pittsburgh, the Sisters lived in the East Liberty area, first at the St. Joseph Motherhouse on Larimer Avenue , and then at the Mount Immaculate Motherhouse on Lincoln Avenue , adjacent to St. Walburga Church. The St. Joseph Motherhouse has been razed and in its place, on the busy corner of Penn Circle and Larimer Avenue in East Liberty, stands the Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ. Mount Immaculate, or "the Mount," as it is fondly remembered by some of the older sisters, was also razed a number of years ago.
In the mid 1920s, the Community outgrew the Mount, and the Sisters began to look for a site on which to build a new motherhouse. They settled on a piece of farm land in Allison Park, and construction began. In 1927, the present Pittsburgh motherhouse, Providence Heights, was dedicated. At last, their motherhouse was large enough to accommodate the more than 500 Sisters who gathered for Community meetings, retreats and assemblies.
The Jackson farm sprawled out on the north side of Providence Heights (where UPMC Passavant Hospital is now located). Cows grazed on the farmland, and from Ketteler Hall down to the creek in back, there were rows of sweet and field corn. Along the Station Walk in back of the property grew black walnut trees, currant bushes, and trees filled with plump, sweet white cherries. There were also yellow and red plum trees. The barn, which is now a garage for the lawn equipment, was filled with chickens and pigs. On the present site of the La Roche College East Campus, from Wright Library to the Kerr Fitness and Sports Center and on to the ball field in back, there were apple orchards. Many Sisters remember their days as novices when they picked the fruit, filling their aprons until they overflowed. The Sisters did much of the farm work and canned their food, storing it in the basement canning room.
In the late 1960s, La Roche College purchased a parcel of the original property to expand its campus. Today, the Sisters maintain several buildings and 16 acres of property that is meticulously groomed and nurtured in accordance with the natural beauty and regeneration of the environment. The Sisters welcome visitors and neighbors to visit, walk, rest and enjoy the beauty of their grounds whenever they need a place of respite.
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