READING, Pa. – One of the oldest churches in Reading reflects on its rich history this Black History Month,
“What makes this place special in the ministry here is number one, God first. Number two, the people,” said Alicia Snead, the pastor at the Washington Presbyterian Church.
It’s a place with over 200 years of service.
“It’s always been family oriented. It’s been Christian based, and it’s been a love for the church and to grow in worship, compassion, devotion and the spirit of God,” said Alexis Green, an elder at the Washington Presbyterian Church.
The church on North 10th Street in Reading is one of the oldest historic Black churches in the city.
“We were established in 1823 as a Sunday school to basically educate the Black community,” Green said. “We were located at Mulberry and Washington streets, and we started out as a log cabin.”
The church relocated to its current space in the 1960s.
“Every day when I walk through these doors, I just thank God that we’re here to make a difference in our communities,” Snead said.
The church has changed its name several times, but its mission has remained the same: service, connection and community.
“We’ve had this family quilt on our wall, and there are so many families that have been connected to this church throughout the years,” Green said. “That’s our history on a quilt.”
The church is part of her own history, too.
“These were all people that just inspired me and gave me so much love here, and they just helped me grow from a young child to the person that I am today, and I can never, ever give them enough gratitude,” Green said.
With welcoming doors to worship on Sundays and teaching the youth, it’s more than just a building.
“Walk through these doors, and you will feel the spirit,” Green said. “That’s all I have to say.”
Washington Presbyterian Church – Reading