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.
