Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · An Original Documentary · Seventy Years of Revival
“I have a vision that one day Pittsburgh will be as famous for God as it is for steel.”
— Samuel M. Shoemaker (1962)
The Film
A 70-Year story of Revival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“It’s been a long time since evangelism, Christ, and God was front page news around the world.” —Billy Graham (London, 1954)
This documentary explores a cultural vision and spiritual revival that birthed thousands of ministries, nonprofits and significant churches worldwide.
By the Behold Your City Team · Pittsburgh
In 1952, an influential New York City pastor came to Pittsburgh and cast a vision for a movement that would reshape the world.
His name was Samuel Shoemaker.
“Sam was not a bestower of peace but a disturber of it, at least of false peace.”
—Bardwell Smith
In the midst of cultural division and turmoil from the 1960s to the 1970s, a movement of unity emerged out of Pittsburgh, and is still impacting the world today.
Perhaps this story is part of the DNA that birthed your organization?
Help Wanted
Support the Film
Give through the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation to help us fund this documentary to preserve legacy and inspire future generations.
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Payable to Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, with Behold Your City in the memo line.
Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation
531 5th St.
Oakmont, PA 15139
Founder, Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation
Reid Carpenter
“We’re not talking about our history… We’re talking about God’s history. This is an on-going book of Acts... We just have the privilege of writing this particular chapter.”
Minister At-Large, Christ Church at Grove Farm
John Guest
“It was rolling… It was happening! And we were running to catch up with what God was doing.”
Time Magazine · March 21, 1955
Religion: God & Steel in Pittsburgh
A report on the vibrancy of Dr. Shoemaker’s movement in 1955.
In 2025 this vision turned 70 years old, and it continues to influence all types of churches and nonprofits across the U.S. and around the world.
One of its first mentions came in this Time Magazine story, published March 21, 1955.
Recommended Reading
Steel Faithful: Stories of God at Work in Pittsburgh
Mike J. King · Bob Jamison · Bruce Barron
A fascinating summary of the significant spiritual events that are part of this story.
Letters to the Editor · Wanted: Your Story
Is Your Organization’s Origin Interwoven in This Story?
So many were impacted, and we want to share all your stories. Tell us how your organization was birthed or influenced by this revival.
Send archived photos, articles or footage, and stay informed as we build an epic documentary to tell this amazing story.