Tea Artfully Done
at The Christy House
Local ladies have found a way
to enjoy gracious living while
helping others to live graciously.
by Pamela Palongue
O
ver the course of its storied history,
tea has served as a source of medicine,
a symbol of social class, and even as
a catalyst for rebellion. At the beginning
of the 18th century, tea merchant Thomas
Twining opened the first public tea house
on the Strand in London which started a
centuries-long tradition. Tea salons sprang
up in England and eventually America, where
fine teas could be consumed in the presence
of elegant surroundings.
34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Sewickley Area
Most would agree; there’s nothing quite as
wonderful as taking a soothing cup of tea in
a graceful drawing room – unless it would be
to help others in the community while you’re
doing it.
This was the idea behind the first ladies
group of St. Stephen’s Church who decided
36 years ago to convert the one-time
rectory into a tea house with the proceeds
supporting various church ministries. The
unique fundraising model has proven to be
a success for St. Stephen’s and an enchanting
pastime for all those who have visited the
Christy House.
The sprawling mansion, furnished with
Victorian décor and beautiful landscaping,
was built in 1862. George H. Christy lived
in the home with his wife
Sarah and their many children.
Christy was a patent attorney
who was often retained by
George Westinghouse for his many
entrepreneurial pursuits.
The large, friendly structure, which stands
at 403 Frederick Avenue, later became a
rectory and was considered for demolition
after the last priest moved out several
decades later. The possible expansion of the
church led church leaders to consider razing
the property for more space. Instead, some
forward-thinking ladies envisioned a new life