Last June, the board of the Islamic Society of Central Pennsylvania purchased a building in State College four times the size of their old mosque on Ridge Avenue.
ISCP president Rami Alhellu says the additional space will allow them to welcome more worshipers into their facility.
But beyond the physical size of the new building, Alhellu is excited for the new relationships that he hopes the mosque will bring.
“It means to me the opportunity for more development in this community and for the State College community in general because we are a part of it,” Alhellu said.
Alhellu and the rest of the board expect the grand opening to be a day full of celebration and guest speakers, including Imam Mohammad Qatanani, a famed Imam from Passaic County, New Jersey.
“Our guest speaker will give a lecture about Islam in general, to explain one of the Islamic principles that the people may be interested to know about,” Alhellu said.
The grand opening is set for Saturday from noon-2 p.m. at 454 Rolling Ridge Drive in State College.
