Our story begins toward the end of the 1970s with the late Donald Hinkle, when he was Music Director at historic Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania. Hinkle had developed and run a highly regarded music program at Trinity which included, among other things, an annual organ recital and frequent choral concerts. 

Hinkle had a following of dozens of singers – from his own church and Christ Episcopal Church, also in downtown Reading, and from churches and music organizations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey – for his choral concerts.

In 1985, Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal churches entered a covenant. As an expression of this relationship and our God-given gifts, the Rev. Dr. Elton P. Richards of Trinity and The Rev. Canon Walter L. Krieger of Christ Church, with members of the churches led by Ruth Anne Bengtson from Christ Church, decided to offer an annual Fall Festival of the Arts. Trinity’s organ recital and choral concert would serve as models for the cornerstone events of the festival. These and other events would feature the talents of amateurs and professionals from the church and community, and internationally recognized artists. 

As such, the Fall Festival of the Arts (FFA) first opened in September 1985, with an organ recital, featuring six outstanding local organists, and a choral concert, featuring internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, The Western Wind. During that first year, FFA also began offering an annual Art Exhibit and Sale and an annual theater production. Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal churches hosted the events.

For forty years, Fall Festival of the Arts has presented an array of timely and timeless events: art exhibits and art talks; plays and poetry readings; musicals and operas; choral, organ, instrumental, and dance programs; masterclasses; puppet shows and storytelling. Critics and the public alike have widely praised FFA for its diverse programming, artistry and excellence.

Distinguished visual and performing artists –– from Berks County and NYC, from Paris and Vienna, and beyond – have been eager to share their extraordinary gifts through the Fall Festival of the Arts. Hinkle’s “following of singers” formed the core of choristers in concerts. Broadway, TV, and Metropolitan Opera stars as well as acclaimed poets, poetry readers, actors, musicians, painters, and photographers have been featured in FFA programs.

To maintain its fiscal integrity, FFA became a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2016. FFA still receives substantial and enthusiastic support (financial, administrative, logistical) from the churches. Church and community members offer their time and treasures as visual and performing artists, event volunteers, board members, and financial supporters.

Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal churches – each historically and architecturally significant, with exquisite sanctuaries and magnificent organs – continue to offer their spaces for FFA concerts and programs. Other event venues have included WCR Center for the Arts, Miller Center for the Arts, and local high schools and colleges.

Fall Festival of the Arts steadfastly holds its mission – to celebrate the creative gifts given to all people, and to invite members of Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal churches and the wider community to celebrate, participate in, and support excellence in the arts – close to its heart. Each Festival is unique, imaginative, relevant, and exciting – and offers something for everyone.

Fall Festival of the Arts Board Members

Susan Wagner, Chair

Kathleen Brantman, Vice Chair

Sandra Sittler, Secretary

Alison Whalen, Treasurer

The Rev. Hans E. Becklin, ex officio (Trinity Lutheran Church)

Runette Gabrielle

Fran Graeff

Geraldine Korenda

John Painter (Christ Episcopal Church Organist and Choir Director)

Dail Richie

David Richie

The Rev. Bryce Wandrey, ex officio (Christ Episcopal Church)

Cameron Wentz (Trinity Lutheran Music Cantor)

Amy Young