EAST WASHINGTON — A church is threatening to leave a tiny Western Pennsylvania borough because zoning officials have told the congregation it no longer can host Weight Watchers meetings in its social hall.

The Rev. Stephen Smythers won’t say how much the First Christian Church in East Washington earns from hosting the meetings several times a week. But the congregation, which has about 150 active members, needs the income, especially under a new ordinance forcing the church and other property owners to rebuild their street curbs, Smythers said.

“It’s like living in East Germany before it was liberated,” Smythers said.

But borough officials contend the municipality — which is less than a half-mile square — is zoned only for residences and institutions, like the church. As a result, for-profit businesses like Weight Watchers are forbidden. The borough, about 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, is surrounded by Washington — the county seat — on three sides and a township on the other side. Those municipalities both have several business districts.

“I’m sure some people aren’t happy,” said Borough Councilman Bob Dickson. “It is what it is. That’s a residential district.”

The church, which has been in the borough since 1968, started renting its hall to Weight Watchers in March. Smythers said the church might move if the dispute isn’t resolved.

The church can file for a zoning variance, but Smythers said Dickson told him it likely wouldn’t be granted.