St. George Roman Catholic Church, a centerpiece of Allentown for more than a century, has been recommended for historic landmark status.

Five members of the city’s Historic Review Commission voted Wednesday in favor of recommending to Pittsburgh City Council that the German Romanesque structure become a landmark.  

Dedicated in 1912, the building was merged into St. John Vianney Parish in 2015. On July 1, 2017, Bishop David Zubik declared the church closed for worship. The St. George Church Preservation Society is appealing the bishop’s decision to the Vatican.

Matthew Falcone, a member of the Historic Review Commission, said during the hearing that the building meets four of the 10 criteria to become a city landmark. The building is the masterwork of Herman J. Lang, an emigrant Catholic. The stained-glass windows were made in Munich, Germany.

Along with Mr. Falcone, commissioners Lucia Aguirre, James Hill, David Green and Karen Loysen recommended designation. Commissioner Andrew Dash was opposed; Commissioner Richard Snipe abstained. City Council makes the final decision.

Marylynne Pitz: mpitz@post-gazette.com or on Twitter:@mpitzpg

First Published: September 3, 2020, 7:47 p.m.