The demolition of the 87-year-old joint St. Peter's Catholic Church and School in Coplay, which has been sitting idle for a year, is winding down.

The Building Recyclers, Kutztown, began demolition in May. It is expected to be completed this week.

Monsignor John Martin, parish pastor, said at this time there are no further plans for the site.

"The school footprint will be leveled off with fill and crushed stone and remain this way at least for a year to allow for settlement," Martin said. "Future plans for this area have not been addressed at present."

The school was initially called St. Peter's Parochial School. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart taught students in grades one through eight.

For many years, the nuns resided on the third floor, which was also an auditorium. The second floor served as classrooms, the church was located on the first floor and a meeting room was situated in the basement. Church bells were located on top of the building.

After a merger, the building was used as a middle school. When it closed several years ago, students transferred to Good Shepherd, Northampton, formerly Our Lady of Hungary School.

Martin said the Cross from the Church's facade, the cornerstone and concrete inlaid keys, will be retained.