A PROJECT OF BERKS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
210 S. 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
610.375.2211
History:
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The First Baptist Congregation was established in 1828 as a part of the American Baptist Churches denomination. In 1893, this congregation was able to erect its church at the corner of Chestnut and 5th streets, which is now included in the Callowhill Historic District. Over the years, the church has undergone a few renovations, but has never changed hands. The first renovation was in 1928 when the balcony was removed from the front of the church. In its place, a baptistry was added. Around this time, the church also moved its organ from the balcony and replaced it at the sides of the altar.
In 1968, there was a new wing of the church built utilizing brick. This west wing was previously used for educational purposes, but today it houses offices, small meeting spaces, and some historical archives. In the main structure, there is a sanctuary, chapel, fellowship hall and kitchen. Some of the significant historical features include a Fresco Painting created by Berthold Imhoff.
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Congregation/Space:
Today, First Baptist Church has 25 – 30 attending members with approximately 100 people visiting the space within the course of a week.
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Programs:
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Sunday School
Bible Study
Youth Music Programs
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GALLERY
Facade of First Baptist Church on 5th Street
The baptismal font
The sanctuary looking from the altar
Stained glass windows facing 5th Street
Stained glass windows in the back of the sanctuary
The altar with the organ above
The church's organ that was moved from the balcony to above the altar
A stain glass panel in the sanctuary's ceiling
Cornerstone removed from the Baptist Meeting House
A marble stone that was removed from the congregation's third building
The church's chapel
A space in the lower levels used by another congregation
