The Beginnings of St. Paul’s Church

Building the Reading Church

The First Catholic Church in Reading

The first Catholic Church in Reading was St. Peter’s church, founded in 1846 at 326 S. 5th Street. There were approximately 3 ,000 church members mainly of Irish and German descent. Bishop John Neumann, 4th Bishop of Philadelphia (1811-1860), was among early planners for a church in Reading. Due to language and cultural differences between German-speaking and English-speaking parishioners, Archbishop James Wood decided a separation was advisable.

The Cornerstone Laid, Sept. 6, 1860

Reverend Charles J. Schrader was given a lot at 9th and Walnut Streets, and a cornerstone was laid for St. Paul’s on September 6, 1860-amid the ominous clouds of an impending Civil War (1861-1865). The president of the United States was James Buchanan from Pennsylvania – predecessor to Abraham Lincoln.

St. Paul’s was built in a Romanesque architectural design, replete with supportive massive columns at the main altar of genuine Italian Breda Violette marble.

Growth of the Church and a School (1870)

The third pastor of St. Paul’s, Monsignor George Bornemann, (1867-1924) improved and enlarged the church over a 57 year expanse of time.

Monsignor Bornemann created a parish school in the early 1870’s and invited the German order of nuns, Sisters of Christian Charity to operate the school with Mother Pauline Mallinkrod in charge.

Expansion and Cemetery (1894)

In 1871 the church was enlarged, and a 200 foot steeple was erected along with a new rectory (the tower was destroyed by lightning and rebuilt in 1915).

In 1894 Monsignor Bornemann purchased 54 acres in Hyde Park to create Gethsemane Cemetery.

Visit the Cemetery's Website
Original Architecture of St. Paul’s Church

A Historical Landmark in Reading

The church of St. Paul, of Romanesque architectural design, is constructed of red brick with buttressed walls reinforced with steel throughout. The vestibule of the church is very large and extends the full width of the building. Concealed radiation, enclosed in marble casements, is an attractive, as well as practical feature. Three massive double oak doors give entrance directly from Ninth Street. At each end of the spacious vestibule, wide easy stairways lead to the gallery or choir loft, where pews are installed for additional worshippers who are unable to gain access to the church proper. In the oak paneled gallery is located the organ which furnishes the music for divine services. An oak front casement screens the organ and louvers that control the tone volume. The large mission crucifix, formerly in the old church, is affixed to the center of the panel screening. Between the console and the organ, there is a large space which the choir occupies at High Mass. From the vestibule, four marble steps lead directly into the main auditorium of the church. Immediately upon entrance, one is struck with the devotional atmosphere that prevails in the well-lighted and beautiful church. The nave of the auditorium is fifty-five by one hundred and twelve feet, with high vaulted ceiling into which is constructed a gravity system of ventilation. The interior of the building is in High Renaissance, based on Pompeian. It belongs to the sixteenth century and typical prototypes of this style ornamentation are found in the Villa Madam outside Rome, by Raphael and Julio Romano. Also, the Loggia, as well as several of the other rooms of the Vatican are also done in this design.

The Early 1900s

Expansion and Growth of St. Paul’s

Restoration

In 1917 the exterior of St. Paul’s was restored and beautified. In 1928 an organ from the Arcadia Theater was donated to St. Paul’s by concert maestro George Haage.

Purchase, Renovation, and the Diocese

On January 2, 1940, St. Paul’s purchased the William Lucien mansion and created Central Catholic High School. In 1956 St. Paul’s underwent a second major renovation in its 96-year existence.

In 1961 Rome announced the creation of the Diocese of Allentown with Bishop Joseph McShea named as the first bishop.

A Picture Timeline

St. Paul’s has an extensive history of serving Christ and the Reading, PA community.

Through decades of change, the essence of St. Paul’s remains unchanged: a place where faith, culture, and community intertwine. We celebrate that enduring legacy through historical photography, capturing moments that tell the story of St. Paul’s through the years. Each photograph is a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the milestones, the everyday life, and the extraordinary events that have shaped the church and its community. From the laying of the cornerstone in 1860 to the vibrant multicultural celebrations of today, these images invite you to explore the rich history of St. Paul and its ongoing journey of faith, service, and community.

The Modern Era

St. Paul’s Church Today

Major Renovation (1985 - 1997)

A nine year renovation project (1986-1994) was enacted by Monsignor John P. Seitzinger (1985-1997).

In 1981 the adjoining school building, no longer in use, was later leased to Prospectus, an adult rehab and training center.

In 1997 Reverend Andrew Ulincy was named pastor.

Serving a Diverse Catholic Community

In the 1990’s a sizable Southeast Asian Colony settled in north-east Reading and nearing the year 2000 a large group of Hispanics/Latinos began attending church.

It is estimated the 4,382 member parish is comprised of Hispanic/Latinos (83%), Vietnamese (6%), and Anglo/Caucasians (11%).

Usage and Interior Updated (2007 - 2009)

In 2007 the vacated school building was leased to the B.C.I.U. (Berks County Intermediate Unit).

Most recently (2008) the entire interior of St. Paul’s was painted, redecorated, added air-conditioning and central-axis golden tabernacle was installed. The project was financed by a parishioner who wished to remain anonymous.

Another benefactor has financed the restoration and activation of nine (9) bronze bells in the three (3) bell towers (one bell weighing 1 1/2 tons).

In 2009 St. Paul’s purchased 20 additional acres adjacent to Gethsemane Cemetery and the M.S.C. convent.