Bethel A.M.E. Church

Bethel A.M.E. Church is a brick church building in Reading featuring a four-story tower with paired windows and round arches. The structure occupies its original location and displays architectural details from the 1800s.

The building was founded in 1837 and has remained a central place for African American worship and community gatherings in Reading, Pennsylvania. Its long history is deeply connected to efforts for justice and self-determination within the African American community.

The congregation actively leads education programs and works on community initiatives visible to visitors today. The building serves as a gathering place where people continue to organize and support local causes.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts regular worship services and community events. Visitors interested in touring the site should check ahead for service times and gathering schedules, since the building remains actively used for religious and community purposes.

The church maintains artifacts and documents from its more than 180 years of history that show the development of the African American community in the region. Many visitors discover the deeper significance of this place only when exploring the personal stories and archives kept within the building.

Location: Reading

Inception: 1837

Website: http://cpafricanamericanmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 40.33750,-75.91806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22