Construction work this August was not the end but the beginning of improvements to the Diocese’s 163 acres of Common Life property overlooking Lake Donegal in Westmoreland County.   Bishop Robert Duncan called the construction of nearly 2,000 feet of driveway a first small step in the master-plan for the property and opening the beautiful site up to use by the whole Diocese.

Common Life center long-term diocesan goal The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has been looking for a third “common life” gathering place since the days of Bishop Appleyard.  The first two places where people from all over the diocese come together, Trinity Cathedral, and Calvary Camp, have been operating for many years.  However, creating a sustainable retreat center such as that envisioned for the Donegal property has been a more illusive goal.  The first effort, which developed on an 80 acre tract in the Jennerstown area, was simply too small to pay its own bills and due to the lay-out of the property, not suitable for expansion.  Though much work remains, the Common Life property overlooking Lake Donegal is more promising.

The property, which was purchased several years ago with the help of a generous gift from Jim and Carmen Moore and includes land donated by Mary Belle Rawlings, is eventually intended to be the site of a full-fledged diocesan conference center.  However, feasibility studies carried out in 2002 made it clear that the time wasn’t right to raise the significant sum it would take to build the envisioned 200-bed center.  That being the case, “The plan is to make small improvements to the property that will open it up for use in the short run and will also be adequate for the long term ,” said Bishop Duncan.

With the driveway complete and electricity brought into the property, Bishop Duncan extended an invitation to churches and members of the Diocese to consider visiting and using the property now.   The open field, he

A detailed map of the property is available here

pointed out, would work well for large group outdoor events.  “The model for use was the visit of Archbishop George Carey to the Diocese in 2002,” he explained.  More than 1,000 people gathered to welcome the then Archbishop of Canterbury to the Diocese with an outdoor reception and tent-meeting at St. Michael’s of the Valley.  The site is also available for youth group and individual day trips.

“All members of the Diocese are welcome to use the property.  If a parish wanted to use it for an event or if individuals would like to walk the cleared lanes all we ask is that they let us know by calling the diocesan offices to make a reservation,” said Bishop Duncan.  The offices can be reached at 412-281-6131.  A detailed map of the property, as well as driving directions, is available here (pdf).

The property, which is made up of areas of woods, meadow, a fishing pond and several hills, has a developed trail network, but no running water or permanent restroom facilities in place.  Bathroom facilities are available in the public parking areas on Lake Donegal.