In celebration of the 275th Anniversary churches in downtown Reading will open their doors to the public on Saturday September 16 from 1pm-4pm for a Historic City Church Tour.
There are a number of historic churches in downtown Reading. The City of Reading’s 275th Anniversary invites residents to explore some of these churches whose members formed and shaped the city for generations to come.
The unique architecture of each mirrors the unique stories of the people who came together to construct buildings that have stood the test of time. Volunteers at each of the buildings will share the history of the church, talk about their present day role in the community and invite you to tour their place of worship.
The tour is a self-guided walking tour and will allow visitors to see the churches in any order. Churches on the tour include:
- Holy Cross United Methodist- 5th and Buttonwood
- Friends Meeting House- 6th and Washington
- Christ Episcopal- 5th and Court
- St Peter’s Catholic- 5th and Bingaman
- Unitarian Church- 400 block of Franklin
- St Cyril’s Catholic- 6th and Laurel
- St John’s – 500 block of Walnut
- Trinity Lutheran Church- 6th and Washington
- Charis Community Church- 6th and Washington Street
At 4pm, following the tour, the Reading Choral Society will give a performance at Baer Chapel, 39 S 6th St. Free parking will be available at Holy Cross United Methodist Church lot, 5th and Buttonwood.
Tour attendees are invited to dine at Spartaco Society after the concert at 407 Chestnut Street. Spartaco was a church from the mid 1800’s to the 1930’s. Note, membership to the society is not needed to dine there following the tour but payment is by cash only.
Learn more about Reading’s 275th anniversary at: readingpa.gov/visitors/275
