 The steps dated from when the Turnpike first opened, as part of an informal, unwritten pact between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the church after St. John's Church was separated from the rest of New Baltimore due to the Turnpike passing through.In addition, Carmelite priests were buried on the right-of-way of the Turnpike, and their graves had to be moved.The steps have long been a novelty of the Turnpike and to curious travelers who have stopped along the Turnpike just to stop at the church.