A Brief History of
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Included in the designated historic district of Waterford, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has endured for over 180 years as a bold Christian symbol in this northwestern Pennsylvania community. The early settlers brought with them to this region their pioneer spirit, and their devotion to their faith. Many of the founders of this area were Episcopalian, and in February of 1827 a congregation was officially organized. At a meeting on March 28th 1831 Rev. Bennett Glover along with wardens M.B. Bradley, Timothy Judson and vestrymen James Pollock, Martin Strong, John Tracy, Amos Judson, and John Vincent resolved to build a church. They began with fifteen hundred dollars, and donations of land that were later sold to pay for labor and materials. The cornerstone was laid in the fall of the same year, and on November 13, 1832 the church was consecrated by then Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania H.U. Onderdonk.
The church has been linked to figures of national prominence in our history. In June 1833 the sacraments were administered by Rev. E.G.Buchanan, brother of James Buchanan who later became president of the United States. Also, General Strong Vincent who was mortally wounded at “Little Round Top” during the battle of Gettysburg was baptized at St. Peter’s. Among the church artifacts is a bible given to him by his mother.
In the period from June of 1871 to October of 1872 the interior of the church underwent renovations. The organ galley was moved to a new chancel platform that was erected, whereon was placed an altar formerly of St. Paul’s of Erie, Pennsylvania.
The church contained 48 pews. The original holders of the pews paid an annual rent of from twenty to two hundred dollars to use the enclosed pews. Some free pews were available in the rear of the nave for those unable to pay rent. When the practice or renting pews became unfashionable the doors of the pews were removed and now serve as the wainscoting around the interior walls of the church.
The exterior of the church, with the exception of the tower, has not been modified since the building was raised. The original tower had to be removed because of what is described in old church writings as construction problems. This removal of the belfry and capping of the tower probably happened in the early 1870’s when major remodeling of the church took place. The tower remained without a belfry until 1927 when the present day wood and metal structure was added.
St. Peter’s has been recognized as the oldest stone, brick, or mason Episcopal church, in continuous use, west of the Allegany Mountains, and is the oldest house of worship holding regular services in Erie County.
This magnificent structure, built in a commanding position in the community, has enduring beauty. It has called people to prayer, to meditate, to fellowship and has been a constant reminder that religion is held as an important value in Waterford.
The church has been linked to figures of national prominence in our history. In June 1833 the sacraments were administered by Rev. E.G.Buchanan, brother of James Buchanan who later became president of the United States. Also, General Strong Vincent who was mortally wounded at “Little Round Top” during the battle of Gettysburg was baptized at St. Peter’s. Among the church artifacts is a bible given to him by his mother.
In the period from June of 1871 to October of 1872 the interior of the church underwent renovations. The organ galley was moved to a new chancel platform that was erected, whereon was placed an altar formerly of St. Paul’s of Erie, Pennsylvania.
The church contained 48 pews. The original holders of the pews paid an annual rent of from twenty to two hundred dollars to use the enclosed pews. Some free pews were available in the rear of the nave for those unable to pay rent. When the practice or renting pews became unfashionable the doors of the pews were removed and now serve as the wainscoting around the interior walls of the church.
The exterior of the church, with the exception of the tower, has not been modified since the building was raised. The original tower had to be removed because of what is described in old church writings as construction problems. This removal of the belfry and capping of the tower probably happened in the early 1870’s when major remodeling of the church took place. The tower remained without a belfry until 1927 when the present day wood and metal structure was added.
St. Peter’s has been recognized as the oldest stone, brick, or mason Episcopal church, in continuous use, west of the Allegany Mountains, and is the oldest house of worship holding regular services in Erie County.
This magnificent structure, built in a commanding position in the community, has enduring beauty. It has called people to prayer, to meditate, to fellowship and has been a constant reminder that religion is held as an important value in Waterford.
- 1827 - Organized as a frontier mission church – Meetings held in the Old Waterford Academy
- 1832 – Church Building was consecrated by the assistant bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania The Rt. Rev. Henry Onderdonk
- 1835 – Notable Civil War hero Strong Vincent Baptized at St. Peter’s
- 1870’s Church was remodeled and original bell tower removed
- 1927 a replica of the original bell tower was added to the top of the tower
- 1957 a parish hall was added with an office and a hot water boiler for heating the church.
- 2003 a new addition was added with a larger parish hall, new kitchen, an additional office, and Sunday school rooms
- Present - St. Peter’s celebrated the 180th anniversary of consecration November 13, 2012. It remains the oldest stone, brick or mason Episcopal church west of the Allegheny mountains still holding regular services. And it is the oldest church building in Erie County.