Islamic center eyes purchase of former Holy Family church in East Deer

A potential buyer for the shuttered Holy Family Church in East Deer appears to be another religious organization.

Alfatimiah of Pittsburgh, a group that describes itself as operating “under the teachings of Islam,” is eyeing the site at 787 Freeport Road, according to East Deer officials.

The price for the former Catholic church is listed as $195,000, according to crexi.com.

No one from Alfatimiah could immediately be reached for comment.

The group, founded in 2012, is currently situated in Etna. According to the borough website, Alfatimiah operates with the mission to pursue Islamic religious, social and educational activities. The center provides a place for prayer and other religious observances, along with cultural activities.

“They have been good neighbors for sure,” said Etna Manager Mary Ellen Ramage. “We haven’t had any issues at all with them.”

East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani said the possible sale will be discussed during the township commissioners’ meeting tonight at 7:30.

“We don’t own the property, we have nothing to do with it, but we have to make sure the use complies with the township’s zoning,” Taliani said.

The property is zoned highway commercial, which does not include churches as an approved use.

Holy Family operated there before the township’s zoning ordinance was approved, township officials said, meaning the church did not have to comply with the zoning.

The building was among five Guardian Angel Parish churches closed by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2022.

Diocese spokeswoman Jennifer Antkowiak did not immediately return calls requesting comment. As owner of the property, the diocese would have to approve any sale.

The 6,600 square-foot lot is assessed at $189,000, according to the Allegheny County real estate website.

Guardian Angels Business Manager Tom Babinsack submitted a request to the township for continued use of the building as a worship site, but declined to comment until after the sale is final.

“This will have to go through all the zoning,” Taliani said.

Holy Family is one of three closed Guardian Angel church buildings still vacant. Others are St. Alphonsus in Springdale and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Harrison.

St. Ladislaus, in the Natrona section of Harrison, was demolished, and Holy Martyrs in Tarentum was sold to Legends of Pittsburgh gym, formerly in the Pittsburgh Mills, for $360,000.