This former First Methodist church at 400 Westinghouse Ave. in Wilmerding has had a long history. Black-and-white photos of past congregations and events still adorn its walls as reminders of earlier years. The original bell can still serenade passersby from its tower.

After sitting vacant for several years, this turn-of-the-century church (MLS No. 760438) is seeking someone to guide it into the next chapter of its history. It's listed for $99,900 with Karla Tyson of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services (412-848-3639; www.pittsburghmoves.com) .

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Wilmerding
At a glance

• Web site: www.wilmerdingboro.com
• Size: 0.48 square miles
• Population: 2,145 (2000 Census)
• School district: East Allegheny: www.eawildcats.net
• Average SAT scores: Verbal, 450; Math, 436; Writing, 425 (East Allegheny High School)
• Taxes for a house assessed at $100,000: $3,728
  
  -- Municipality: $605 (6.05 mills)
  -- School: $2,654 (26.54 mills)
  -- County: $469 (4.69 mills)
  -- Wage tax: 1 percent, split between the borough and the school district
• Fun facts: In March 1889, the East Pittsburgh Improvement Company recorded the first plan of Wilmerding as as a subdivision of the Osborne Farm. A petition was later brought before the Quarter Sessions Court of Allegheny County requesting Wilmerding become a borough.

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"Through the years it grew as Wilmerding grew," Edward Deenihan said about the church that was dedicated in May 1915 and heavily attended by local business persons when Wilmerding was more populated.

Mr. Deenihan, county and division historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17, said the church was vacated by the 1980s and remained empty until a local group wanted to transform the space into a community center a few years ago. Although a number of renovations were made by 2004, the plan to bring new activities to the old church never panned out.

"I think [the church] would be great for either a studio for recording music or for art," said Keith Balint, chief operating officer at Compass Savings Bank, which acquired the church through foreclosure in 2007.

"The acoustics in a church are the best," Ms. Tyson said.

The burgundy-carpeted sanctuary seats around 100. In 2004, the pews and original stained-glass windows were restored, and the pipe organ was tuned.

Next to the sanctuary are several smaller carpeted rooms. Mr. Balint said these rooms would make adequate office spaces since they could be divided into cubicles. A balcony overlooks this common area.

The church also features five tiled restrooms, identified as half-baths because they have no showers.

In the basement, a functioning kitchen includes stainless-steel commercial appliances, pots, pans and cooking utensils. A large room next to the kitchen could serve as a storage space, a cafeteria or a recreation room.

Ms. Tyson said there is some mold and water damage in the basement that needs attention.

Additional repairs made in 2004 included the installation of a new hot water tank, central air conditioning and two new furnaces.

That same year, the slate roof was given a once-over and the bricks were repointed. Since the church is registered as a historical landmark, limited changes can be made to its exterior.

"To me, it's a hometown feel," Mr. Balint said about the church and its surroundings.

The church is about 15 minutes from Downtown and is located within walking distance of the Westinghouse Castle and a park. The YMCA, other churches and the Station Break Cafe also are nearby.

In January 2008, the property was appraised for $280,000 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us/RealEstate/Default.aspx), Ms. Tyson said. Since 2007, five properties have sold on Westinghouse Avenue for prices ranging from $16,800 in April 2009 to $140,000 in April 2007 (www.realstats.net) .

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.