Our group is even more hopeful after Bishop Conlon's decision in Illinois

Efforts to save St. John Vianney Church (formerly St George Church) in Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood were bolstered by recent news about the reopening of St. Joseph Church in the Diocese of Joliet, IL.

It was announced there on September 19, that the St. Joseph Church Preservation Society has reached an agreement with Bishop Conlon to reopen St. Joseph Church by presenting a plan to support the church.


In Pittsburgh, a group of parishioners of St. John Vianney parish have formed the The St. George Church Preservation Society (SGCPS) to save the former St. George Church from demolition as planned by Bishop Zubik and his advisers.


The SGCPS has discovered that there are many other Catholic churches around the United States that are supported by similar arrangements.


In a letter to Bishop Zubik on September 10, the Society presented their plan to raise funds to support the church and included a restoration plan to reverse the years of neglect. The parishioners also stated their intent to appeal the closing and demolition of the church to the Vatican if necessary.


Although the Bishop's plan to close the parish may proceed, the efforts of the parishioners are focused on the separate issue of protecting the church, saving it from demolition, and preserving it as a Catholic sacred space.


The 105 year old former St. George Church was built by the German immigrants who founded St. George Parish in 1886. The church is an irreplaceable structure, a landmark that identifies the skyline of the Allentown neighborhood and is a monument that memorializes the generations of devoted parishioners who served, donated and volunteered their talent, time and resources to establish the heritage and legacy of St. George Church.


Starting in August, the St. George Church Preservation Society has been successful in reaching out to parishioners, former parishioners, alumni, the Allentown community, and the preservation community for support.


With commitments of assistance in the areas of Cannon law, engineering, architecture, marketing, fund-raising and finance, the Society is continuing to refine their plan and gather resources to save the church.

Based on the positive events in Illinois, these parishioners in Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood are now more hopeful that an agreement can be reached to stop the demolition of the former St. George Church.