On February 25, 2019, the Diocese of Pittsburgh completed the sale of real estate it owned in Donegal, Pennsylvania. The property included 160 acres of land, a guesthouse, and a barn. It was sold to a family with young children for $730,000.
The rights to coal, as well as oil, gas, and others minerals on the property, were included in the sale under terms that allow the diocese to retain 75% of future royalties and bonus payments on those assets, should the new owners choose to sell these rights.
The sale was authorized by the diocesan Board of Trustees, who are pleased that the price reflects a fair market value. Prior to offering the property, the trustees determined that the guesthouse was under-utilized and that the once-envisioned development of the site into a conference or youth center was no longer in the strategic interest of the diocese.
As with the sale of other surplus properties, the trustees will set aside the proceeds for future diocesan needs that are consistent with the mission of The Episcopal Church.
The sale did not include a smaller parcel of land and house known as the Bishop’s Lodge, which the diocese continues to own. Under a life estate agreement dating back to when he was an Episcopal bishop, Robert and Nara Duncan may live there for as long as they desire. The diocese and the Duncans continue to honor that arrangement.