Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church

Stepping inside Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church is like stepping back in time. The year is 1895. Architect William A. Otis has just completed his masterpiece. He gazes up at the high-gable, rusticated limestone facade. It’s a small-scaled church, inspired by 15th-century English Gothic churches. Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church stands proudly on West Belmont Avenue, near Broadway in Lake View. The church boasts open timber construction, ornamental trusses, and an abundance of original Victorian charm. Later, in 1926, the three-story brick parish house was added, designed by William C. Jones. It complements the church with its beamed ceilings, Gothic stone entryway, and leaded glass windows. In the 1990s, the sanctuary underwent a meticulous restoration. Original colors and stencils were revived, breathing new life into the historic space under the guidance of Robert Furhoff. Fast forward to 2017. Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church and its parish house are designated Chicago Landmarks. This came after years of preservation advocacy and support from Alderman Tom Tunney. The parish house was sold to JAB Realty for adaptive reuse as apartments. SPACE Architects + Planners led the architectural design. The church itself continues to serve as a vibrant spiritual home for the community. This unique solution allowed for the preservation of both buildings while adapting to the needs of a modern city. Inside the church, you can almost hear the echoes of parishioners past. You can imagine them admiring the same stained glass and intricate woodwork. Today, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to its rich history. It blends beautifully with its evolving neighborhood, offering a place of worship and community for generations to come. St. Peter’s continues its mission to serve as a beacon of God’s light in Chicago. It strives to offer a deeper understanding of life in Christ. It invites all to experience God’s love and radical welcome. It offers traditional liturgy and opportunities for growth, questioning, and learning through prayerful discourse.