For over 160 years the brownstone Cathedral of Christ Episcopal Church has towered 180 feet above the heart of Reading. The body of this church dates to 1763, when enough settlers decided they wanted a church for the english-speaking citizens of the city, who were far outnumbered by Germans. Local attorney James Read petitioned the help of the young Reverend Alexander Murray, an English missionary who would be fundamental in the Church’s founding and early established years. For its first six decades, the congregation met in Berks County’s Courthouse, a building that sat in the center of the square at 5th and Penn and later a smaller structure at the present site of 5th and Court.

In 1822 a building committee was formed to plan the creation of a permanent home, and on May 10th, 1826 the new church was officially consecrated by Right Reverend Bishop White. There were a few enlargements of the structure, most of which the exact dates are known.

Perhaps the most significant addition came in 1862 – when the striking gothic facade and spire was constructed. The architect was Edward T. Potter of New York, one of the foremost church architects in the country at that time. In 1874 the bells were added to the tower – cast by Meneely Bell Foundry in New York and range from 250 to 2500 pounds.

The past few years Christ Church has undergone another restoration effort. In 2020 they were awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation office, which funded the stabilization of the masonry and walls of the steeple and facade. The entire sanctuary was also included in this project, with major scaffolding being erected to address failing plaster and beam issues inside. The restoration effort is ongoing – during my tour Property Manager Chris Spohn gave me some insight into other future projects including more plasterwork and fixing the 1874 bell system which is currently non-functioning.

On a rainy Saturday May 9th, the church celebrated its 200th anniversary by opening a time capsule that had been imbedded in the facade of the structure since the 1863 renovation, though some of the items dated from the original construction date in 1826. Speakers included Reverend Bryce Wandrey of Christ Church, The Right Reverend Daniel Gutierrez who serves as the Bishop of Pennsylvania, along with Ken Saul who led the restoration, Megan McNish from the PA State Historic Preservation Office and City Council President Donna Reed.

All who pass the gothic cathedral at 5th and court admire its beauty – an amazing feat for the age in which it was constructed. Yet the Bishop of Pennsylvania reminded us that the utmost beauty of any church is its congregation – which gives it life, hope and meaning. The Reverend Bryce Wandrey stated it was his prayer that the church would be here for another 200 years to come.

Christ Church opens their “Rummage room” on certain Wednesdays and Saturdays each month from 10am-1pm. All proceeds go toward their missions. If you enjoy thrifting it is definitely something you will want to check out.