Former Philly Synagogue Turned Church Transforms Into Mosque
It’s nice to see people wishing each other well instead of stirring up fear & hatred. Kudos to the people of Philadelphia for dealing with change in a positive, supportive manner that helps their city live up to its famous nickname.
First it was a synagogue, then a church and now the property at 7401 Limekiln Pike will be transformed into a mosque.
The former West Oak Lane Church of God complex in Northwest Philadelphia has a new owner. Masjidullah Inc. (pronounced Mass-jid-Allah) purchased the church building and office annex for $1 million last month. […]
The 1947 structure was first home to Temple Sinai, which in the 1970s moved to Dresher in Montgomery County, Pa. The building was then converted to a Christian church and will now house a mosque, school and community center.
Rabbi Adam Wohlberg of Temple Sinai has not seen the inside of the former temple and soon-to-be mosque, but frequently drives by.
“The people who invested time and energy in the building think of it with great fondness,” said Wohlberg. “I’m happy it’s going to be occupied by another faith community.” […]
In the 1970s, the West Oak Lane Church of God community moved in and remained active until the building’s sale last month. The church outgrew the building according to Linda Sheppard, the pastor’s wife. Since the sale, the West Oak Lane Church of God community has moved their church services and events to rented space at New Covenant Campus in Germantown.
Resident Imam Mikal Shabazz said a member of the non-denominational church’s board of trustees said during the settlement, “When I look across the room and see who’s buying the building, I’m glad it’s in your hands.”
“We wish the mosque well,” said Sheppard. […]
Long standing Imam Muhamad Abdul-Aleem points to the Masjidullah’s “long history of interfaith dialogue” as a fixture for the community’s success since its formation in the 1970s.
Wohlberg would like to develop a relationship with the West Oak Lane Church of God and Masjidullah communities, bringing together all three congregations who once occupied the same building on Limekiln Pike. […]
