Peace Presbyterian Church

In 1956, a spark ignited in the hearts of a few families in St. Louis Park. They dreamt of a new church, a place of peace and community. This dream began to take shape as Peace Presbyterian Church. The first services of Peace Presbyterian Church were held in the Eliot School on Hampshire Avenue and Cedar Lake Road. Imagine those early days, the congregation gathering amidst the echoes of school days, surrounded by athletic equipment in a gymnasium. The church quickly outgrew the borrowed space. In June 1957, Peace Presbyterian Church was officially commissioned by the Minneapolis Presbytery with 157 charter members. A building committee was formed, architects were hired, and land was secured on Cedar Lake Road and Quebec. By October 1957, ground was broken. The original construction cost $120,000, a testament to the dedication of the early members. The cornerstone was laid on February 23, 1958, marking a significant milestone. The official dedication of the new Peace Presbyterian Church building took place on October 12, 1958. Even before the final touches were complete, a pheasant flew through a large window during a service, a quirky anecdote in the church’s history. The members themselves pitched in to finish the building, demonstrating their commitment. Within three years, Peace Presbyterian Church became self-supporting, a symbol of its growing strength and community spirit. Expansions in 1960 and 1963 further enhanced the church, adding a parlor, offices, a library, a nursery, and accessible restrooms. Peace Presbyterian Church continues to be a vibrant part of the community, hosting events like summer hot dog dinners and finding innovative ways to connect with its members. Even during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, Peace Presbyterian Church found ways to bridge the digital divide, pairing members with and without internet access through a “buddy system”.