Excerpt from History of the Reformed Church in Reading, Pa

The history of the Reformed Church in the city of Reading has been a favorite study with the author for several years. It has been his aim to present this history in an authentic form, and in this effort he has spared neither time nor money to produce a reliable and satisfactory volume. Heretofore a good deal of the Church's local history was based upon mere tradition, and in this way many errors were accepted as historical facts. We have endeavored to authenticate all data, so as to present a reliable history. This required a great deal of research, but it was interesting employment, and the author feels regarded for all the time expended in the preparation of the book.

The author is under obligations to Prof. W. J. Hinke for valuable assistance, especially in reference to the early period of the history of the First Reformed congregation in Reading, to B. Y. Shearer, esq., and John H. Bridenbaugh, esq., for assistance in examining the county records, and to the local pastors in a general way. The minutes of the Coetus, published several years ago, gave us valuable assistance in determining many problems in reference to the early pastors of the First church. The records of the First church, placed at our disposal by the consistory, have also been very helpful.

The present volume is the first effort of its kind. We have sought to present an accurate and fairly complete history of all the Reformed congregations in Reading. To publish a complete history would have been far beyond the bounds of one volume. As it is, the book is considerably larger than it was originally intended to be.

We hope the reader may find as much pleasure in perusing the book as the writer enjoyed in preparing it.

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