By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A Philadelphia agency has temporarily rescinded a demolition permit for an historic church at 11th and Spring Garden Streets, and has set a hearing date for next month to review whether the demolition should be allowed to go forward.

The decision by the city’s L&I Review Board temporarily halts the demolition of the 164-year-old Church of the Assumption, which has ties to two local saints, Katherine Drexel and John Neumann (see previous stories).

The Callowhill Neighborhood Association went to court to stop the demolition after owner John Wei obtained and posted the demolition permit.

Wei has declined to comment on the pending demolition.  The L&I Review Board hearing is scheduled for January 8th at 3pm.