St. Peter Claver Church

Gazing at St. Peter Claver Church, imagine the vibrant community it has nurtured for over a century. St. Peter Claver Church stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the African American Catholic community in Minnesota. Founded in 1888, it holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in the state. Archbishop John Ireland, a staunch advocate for civil rights, envisioned a church where racial barriers crumbled. Inspired by the recent canonization of St. Peter Claver, a missionary to enslaved people in Colombia, Ireland set this vision into motion. He invited Father John Slattery, renowned for his outreach to African American communities, to ignite the spark in St. Paul. Slattery’s visit laid the groundwork for the St. Peter Claver Sodality, a group of devoted laypeople who initially held services in a downtown church. Prominent figures like lawyer Fredrick McGhee and Samuel Hardy, founder of the Western Appeal newspaper, were among its earliest members. The Sodality’s momentum led to a fundraising drive for their own church. In 1892, they acquired land at Farrington and Aurora Avenues, officially establishing St. Peter Claver Church on October 19th. The new church, dedicated on December 18th, became a vibrant hub. It offered Sunday school, a choir, and various community groups. The Toussaint L’Ouverture Literature Society, formed in 1896, attracted members and non-members alike, fostering intellectual curiosity. The church’s focus on families provided educational and cultural enrichment. A pivotal moment came in 1910 with the appointment of Father Stephen Theobald as pastor. Theobald, a Cambridge-educated journalist from British Guiana, became the first African American ordained at St. Paul Seminary under Archbishop Ireland’s mentorship. Known as “the little giant” for his stature and powerful presence, he was a fervent civil rights advocate, leading the parish until his death in 1932. Mid-century brought significant changes. Father Jerome Luger recognized the westward shift of the congregation and championed a relocation. A new church complex arose at Oxford and St. Anthony Avenue, complete with a school and gymnasium in 1950, a convent in 1954, and the new St. Peter Claver Church in 1957, even including a bowling alley to offset school costs. For over 100 years, St. Peter Claver Church has been a cornerstone of its community, embracing diversity and championing social justice. It continues to be a dynamic force, locally and within the broader context of organizations like the National Black Catholic Congress. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith and community, a legacy built by a small group of African American Catholics.