Washington Presbyterian

1030 Washington St.

History: In the early part of the 1800’s, there were only 700 and 800 black people in Reading. Many had to be segregated on the balconies of white churches, so they moved to establish their own churches. Rev. John Grier, Pastor of First Presbyterian in the city, wanted to share ministry to the black community. He helped establish a Sabbath School consisting of 2 small log cabins on Washington and Mulberry St. in 1823; this was the first black Sunday School in Pennsylvania. Later in 1849, the brick building seen today was finished. The congregation moved to 715 N 10th St. in 1963. Currently, the building on Washington Street is home to Iglesia Hermanos Unidos en Cristo.

Congregation/ space: Iglesia Hermanos Unidos en Cristo is of the Pentecostal denomination. They were founded in 1993 and acquired the building in 1996. The building includes a sanctuary space and a meeting space in the basement.

Programs: This congregation meets four times each week, and averages about 70 people at their Sunday services. They also do bible study once a week and offer classes for children and the youth meet in the basement for classes taught in English.

Hermanos en Cristo collects clothing and food donations and gives to Toys for Tots. They also have outdoor services occasionally in various locations throughout Berks County.