Saint Peter's Episcopal Church

St. Peter's Episcopal Church is a historic, welcoming congregation in Key West, Florida, rooted in the Episcopal tradition. Founded by Afro-Bahamian immigrants in the 1870s, it remains one of the largest historically African American congregations in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Services are held Sundays at 10:00 AM and Thursdays at 12:00 PM for the Healing Service and Eucharist Services.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church is a vibrant and welcoming community in Key West, Florida, with a rich history dating back to the 1870s. Founded by Afro-Bahamian immigrants, it became the first Black Episcopal parish in Florida and has since remained a cornerstone of the local community. The church is currently led by lay leaders Calvin Allen and Linda Hemderson, with rotating supply priests About Us.

The church is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and its National Register of Historic Places designation, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. The building was completed in 1924 and has been restored following hurricane damage in its early years History of St. Peter's.

Services are held every Sunday at 10:00 AM for the Holy Eucharist and every Thursday at 12:00 PM for the Healing Service and Eucharist Services. The church is open daily from 9:00 AM to sunset, offering a peaceful space for meditation, rest, and quiet reflection. A parish hall and church gardens are also available for community use About Us.

St. Peter's is also home to a beautiful stained glass window, donated by the Brick Workers Guild, and a mural depicting Jesus and the Carpenters, originally painted by Rick Worth and later recreated as a ceramic mosaic by Jane Carper Mural - Jesus and the Carpenters.

The church is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Visitors have described it as a 'wonderful...welcoming...healing place' and 'beautiful church! Beautiful people!' Review 4, Review 7.

Saint Peter's Episcopal Church in Key West, Florida, stands as a historic and welcoming spiritual haven with roots in the Afro-Bahamian community since the 1870s. Visitors will notice its Gothic Revival architecture, open doors for meditation and reflection, and a commitment to inclusive worship through Sunday and Thursday services. The church’s enduring role as a community cornerstone suggests a warm, accessible atmosphere for all who enter.

Pros

• Welcoming and inclusive atmosphere emphasized in both historical context and current practices
• Clear, consistent service times posted for Holy Eucharist and Healing Services
• Historic Gothic Revival architecture with National Register designation
• Open daily for meditation and reflection with accessible hours
• Facilities include gardens, parish hall, and community spaces for gatherings
• Rooted in the Episcopal tradition with rotating supply priests ensuring spiritual leadership

Cons

• Limited information on family or children's ministries programs
• No details provided about accessibility features for visitors with disabilities
• Sparse description of music or worship style beyond service timing details