Muslim Center Group Purchases Former Christ Church Property in Avon

The Farmington Valley American Muslim Center recently bought the former Christ Church on Harris Road in Farmington.

The church disbanded in 2012 and was still owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. The sale price was $1.1 million. Funds will go back to the Missionary Society of ECCT, which provides funding for missionary work and other uses.

“We are grateful to our brothers and sisters in the Diocese for their partnership,” said Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, Ph.D., President of the Board of Trustees of the FVAMC. “This house of worship will serve as a foundation for our efforts to continue building bridges with our neighbors, the local community, and other faith traditions. Our relationship with the ECCT serves as a shining example in our region, and as a beacon of hope for inter-religious understanding and cooperation the world over.”

The building will be used by the group for prayers, teaching, youth programs and interfaith work.

Photo caption: Trustees of the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center, Inc. with the Rev. Audrey Scanlan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut at the real estate closing for the property in Avon, Oct. 21. Center: Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, Ph.D., President of the FVAMC Board of Trustees, with his wife, Noora Brown, M.A., chair of the FVAMC Interfaith Committee. Right of Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, Canon Audrey Scanlan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

Have a news tip? Email rich.scinto@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.