There are numerous abandoned churches remaining across the state of Pennsylvania. Some stand repurposed, while others remain empty with continuous upkeep. However, just as many are left neglected and falling to pieces as they decay from the inside out. This church is one of over a dozen abandoned churches in the Pittsburgh area.

Construction of the Our Lady Help of Christians Church began on May 30, 1898. This church was built by and for the Italian immigrant community of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. The church would come to see 2,918 documented marriages and 13,125 baptisms over its lifetime.

A 50-year anniversary was celebrated on May 30, 1948. At this time everything was great, and nobody could have imagined what would come of this church in the next 40 years.

Over time, America had become a melting pot of different cultural backgrounds, which eventually led to the closure of this church. As many members of the congregation moved to eastern suburbs, they found their places elsewhere among the numerous churches and chapels closer to them. Others simply fell out of religion with no need for another place of worship.

As religion begins to fade away from much of the community, between both younger and older generations alike, so too do these architecturally grand structures. Congregations have lost more and more members over the years, especially in urban areas of larger cities such as Pittsburgh. Though in more recent years, older suburbs once thought to be immune are starting to see some of the decline as well.

Following the heavy decline of members, Our Lady Help was closed in 1992. In 1995, the property was bought and the sanctuary was given a second life as an independent church. This lasted only a handful of years, with the church eventually closing in 2008, leaving the entire property abandoned. Now 11 years since its closure, the architecture has begun to break apart. Plaster falls from the ceilings, and Corinthian columns crumble to the floors below. Debris lies scattered across pews, spilling into the middle and side isles.

Though efforts have been made for many other churches throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, this is one that appears to (at least for now) have no future life in store for it. Only time will tell, but the interior has fallen into such disrepair that it will be difficult to find a buyer interested enough, and willing to make the necessary repairs.