Germantown Avenue

     Although Germantown is known for some of the most historical landmarks in the country, its hard to believe that not long ago much of the area from School House Lane to (Old) Stenton Avenue (now Berkley Street) along Germantown Avenue was deserted.  Just fifteen years ago, this area was nothing but vacant and burnt down buildings inside an unhabited community, says Tunji Turner- a religious teacher at Mas-jid, a local Muslim organization.

     Today, in just a decade and a half, this neighborhood evolved into a thriving Islamic community.  Several Islamic businesses have filled the vacant lots, including restaurants, shops, and convenient stores.  People began residing in the neighborhood while Turner says between seven to eight hundred families now live this area of Germantown.  Many of the residents in this area are Muslims, who came to this community for its strong Islamic presence. 

     The Muslim non-profit organization, Germantown Masjid was formed in 1991 to accommodate the great number of Muslims that have settled in the area.

Over the years, the following services have been provided to the greater Philadelphia Muslim Community through the Masjid:

• Five daily prayers
• Islamic school
• Family Counseling
• Muslim related lectures and seminars
• A new learning center