Zion's Reformed Church (Reading, PA)

Zion Reformed Church began in 1881 with 30 charter members to provide worship in German. The Sunday School was organized in 1882. The most handsome gothic architecture in Reading was dedicated as Zion Reformed Church in 1883 at the corner of Washington and Cedar Streets. The structure included Indiana limestone front with two towers over the church and 12 arches inside the sanctuary. The parsonage was erected in 1885. Rev. L. K. Derr was the first pastor followed in 1903 by Rev. Carl Gramm, D.D. At a congregational meeting held January 9, 1922, it was decided to rebuild the church. During rebuilding services were held in Boy's High School (City Hall). During this time services in German were discontinued. The cost of rebuilding the church was $108,000. The first issue of "The Reminder", a monthly church newsletter was sent out in February 1929. Rev. H. S. Kehm became pastor in 1927 and orchestra was organized under the leadership of Mr. William Hornberger in 1930 During the 1960's a merger was proposed with Calvary UCC on Centre Avenue. The merger was approved at Calvary, but voted down 101-88 at Zion. However, Rev. Ott and 80 members left Zion to join Calvary, decimating the congregation at Zion. To keep the church alive only the pastor and choir director received a salary. All maintenance, custodial and secretarial work was done by volunteers. At the end of September 2010 the final service was held with Rev. Dr. Robert Aregood who had been the pastor for 40 years. The building was sold to Christ Presbyterian congregation.