Our History

Brief History Timeline

1903

An empty parcel of land owned by George Adams.

1906

Land sold to Finnish Evangelical Church.

1909

Church completed at a total cost of $15,000.

1938

Renovation work to include side arches to the alter completed.

1957

Finnish Evangelical Church changes to Faith Lutheran Church.

1977

Church was disbanded due to financial hardship, aging parishioners and deteriorating neighborhood.

1979

Church was sold to North American Islamic Trust for $27,000. Masjid Al-Arkham (Mosque) was inaugurated. ISGW was established as a sub-chapter of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Halal meat was made available. First in central Massachusetts.

1980

Pews were removed. Second floor became the main prayer hall. Direction of Qibla was disputed, and prayers were being offered in two directions for a short time. Finally, the original direction based on ISNA publication was agreed to and made permanent.

1982

Work began on drafting the first Constitution and its Bylaws.

1983

First Sunday school was started. Adjacent land was purchased from the City of Worcester for $1300 (7,920 sq. ft. for parking). Entered into Worcester Heritage Preservation Society as a building of historical significance.

1984

Additional Land was purchased from Dominic and Lucy Zarette for $6000 (11,538 sq. ft.for additional parking).

1987

Renovation work was completed to add ladies section, classrooms and major plumbing and heating work.

1991

Movement started to educate area Muslims to get involved in main stream politics. First in New England.

1992

First Constitution and its Bylaws were approved and ratified.

1993

Resolution was passed to establish the first full time Islamic school (Alhamra Academy).

1997

Dr. Salah Sultan was appointed as the first Imam.

2003

Decision was made to build a new Islamic center due to lack of space and an ever growing congregation projections.

2004

Islamic Society of Greater Worcester (ISGW) was registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an independent organization.

2006

The congregation moved to the new Islamic center called the Worcester Islamic Center (WIC). Mosque was closed.

2007

Mosque opened again to the congregation.

2008

Major renovation work was completed (exterior and interior) to add more space for the ladies, new roof, new bathrooms, and installation of a crescent on the steeple.

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