Who We Are
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, established in 1887, is located in the heart of the East Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago (historically called “Boystown”). Our congregation is a diverse community in terms of age, life experience, gender identity, sexual orientation, financial and social circumstances, and religious background.
Our greatest ambition is to touch the lives of more people in our community and to ensure that St. Peter’s remains a cornerstone of the neighborhood. We aspire to be a town square and a haven for those looking for community. We have a palpable enthusiasm to move forward and to welcome others.
How We Worship
We enjoy traditional liturgy and worship, compelling sermons, and connection to God through each other. Wherever you are in your experience of God—doubting, sure in your faith, or somewhere in between—there is a place for you at God’s table, and we are excited to sit at that table with you. We are also happy to let you engage at your own pace and in your own way.
Everyone is welcome to serve St. Peter’s in whatever way they choose. Maybe you want to immerse yourself in the service, enjoying the quiet, the music, and the liturgy. Perhaps you would like to read Bible passages aloud during services, serve as a lay minister, or usher, or offer some special skill or talent in service to others. One member of our congregation, for example, has a passion for creating beautiful icons and sharing them as part of our worship setting.
How We Engage with Each Other and with the Outer World
We foster engagement in a number of ways:
Coffee hour after the Sunday service
Wednesday night chapel followed by a simple complimentary meal
Study and discussion groups (for example, reading the same book, learning about being an Episcopalian, or practicing Spanish)
Brunches at local restaurants
Opportunities to worship or otherwise interact with others throughout our diocese
Social action throughout Chicago
Blessings on our doorstep, such as for pets on St. Francis Day and Ashes-to-Go on as Wednesday.
We have a heart for those who are in need and those who are hurting, and we look outward to serve. We walk the walk. For example, our position on the Chicago Pride Parade route gives us a unique opportunity to display our love for all people. Each year we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community by gathering on the church steps and handing out cold water and home-baked goodies while our stellar organist plays show tunes. As another example, St. Peter’s has formed a Rainbow Railroad Community Support Team to help an at-risk LGBTQIA+ refugee find safety from violence and persecution in his home country. All are welcome to participate in helping our newcomer acclimate to life in Chicago.
Our Building’s History
Our church building is a sterling example of Arts and Crafts Gothic Revival that has a long-term foothold in the neighborhood. Our vestry made a bold move to sell our parish hall in 2019 and fully renovate our existing space. The goals of the renovation were to preserve the historical and beautiful hardwood, stained glass, pillars, pipe organ, and lighting fixtures and, at the same time, repurpose some of our space to suit our modern needs. Working with AltusWorks architects, St. Peter’s won an Adaptive Re-use/Repurpose Award from Partners for Sacred Places in 2022, and is a Designated Landmark by the City of Chicago.
Our Mission
At St. Peter’s, our mission is to serve as a beacon of God’s light in Chicago:
We come to St. Peter’s to find a deeper understanding of our lives in Christ.
We ground ourselves in traditional liturgy, while continuing to grow, question, and learn in prayerful discourse with intellectual rigor.
We invite all to the radical welcome of God’s table, manifesting Christ’s love in Lakeview and beyond.
“I think it’s a genuine community of people trying to learn and serve God. I am so happy to be a part of St. Peter’s.”–Alan A.
“St. Peter’s felt like home the first time I visited. Being in this space and with these people brings me both peace and joy.”—Kitty W.
