STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

History:

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During the late 19th century, the first Slovaks came to Reading from Saris, Spis, and Zemplin, all areas of the former Czechoslovakia, as well as from Trencin, Orava, and Nitra, also in Czechoslovakia. They first started worshiping at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, then at St. Mary’s Parish afterward. In 1895, the Slovaks organized a parish of their own through the Slovak Society of St. John the Baptist, local branch 175. In 1905, Rev. Francis Horvath, rector of the parish, succeeded in purchasing property at 6th and Laurel Streets. In 1906, the cornerstone was laid to erect the new Slovak Catholic Church in Reading.

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It took about nine years for the church to be completely finished, but that didn't stop parishioners from worshiping there. Due to a lack of funds to complete the interior, services were at first held in the basement of the church. Construction resumed in 1913 once funds were raised to finish the structure.

In 1939, the church bought five properties along 6th Street to be a site for the new school. A building next to the church housed the sisters while the old convent and school were demolished. A new convent was built at the former site where the old school and convent used to be positioned.

Later, the Sts. Cyril & Methodius School was sold and the building is no longer a part of the church. The school is now known as Opportunity Behavioral Health. Currently, it is used as an adult autism training center where autism services are provided.

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Congregation/Space:

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The church has artwork on the ceiling near the altar, stained glass windows, as well as liturgical sculptures (statues) of different saints within the sanctuary. The church has a Gothic-style design to its structure. A balcony sits on top of the sanctuary for use during worship services.