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UnknownUnknown, Unknown 00000Gathering: Sunday 11:15 am (St Peter’s Church, St. George’s)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Sunday11:15 am · St Peter’s Church, St. George’s
About
Summary
St. Peter’s Church in St. George’s, Bermuda, is the oldest Anglican Church outside the British Isles and the oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the New World. Established in 1612, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and central to Bermuda’s cultural and religious history. The church offers Sunday services at 11:15 am and is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Welcome to St Peter’s.
Details
St. Peter’s Church is a historic and cultural landmark in Bermuda, dating back to 1612 when Bermuda was settled by the Virginia Company. It is the birthplace of Christian worship in Bermuda and has served the community for over 400 years. The church was granted the royal designation 'Their Majesties Chappell' by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012, a title first used in the 1690s during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. Welcome to St Peter’s
The church is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its architectural and historical significance. It has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, with the current stone structure dedicated to the Apostle St. Peter in 1826. The church is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and a $2 donation is requested to help maintain the historic site. Welcome to St Peter’s
St. Peter’s Church offers regular Sunday services at 11:15 am and additional services at the Chapel of Ease in St. David’s. The church also hosts a variety of events, including the annual Emancipation Sunday Celebration and the Blessing of the Boats. Regular Services
The churchyard is a significant part of the site, with memorials and graves that reflect Bermuda’s rich history, including those of free Black men, slaves, and mariners. The African Diaspora Tour, led by Rev. Dr. Lorne Bean, provides an immersive experience into Bermuda’s Black history and heritage. Welcome to St Peter’s
St. Peter’s Church is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, offering level access from Church Lane behind the church. The church also rents out the Edith Clair Spencer Hall for community events and private gatherings. Contact Us
The church is led by Rev. Thomas W.L. Nisbett and is part of the Anglican Church of Bermuda. It welcomes all visitors and encourages participation in its services and events. Welcome to St Peter’s
From Faith Near Me
St. Peter’s Church in St. George’s, Bermuda, is a historic Anglican site dating back to 1612, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage status and deep ties to the island’s cultural and religious history. First-time visitors would notice the welcoming Sunday services at 11:15 am, the accessible historic churchyard with memorials spanning centuries, and the church’s role as a community hub offering events like the African Diaspora Tour and Blessing of the Boats. The site’s preserved architecture and open visitor hours reflect a commitment to both heritage and hospitality.
Pros
- Offers clear Sunday service times at 11:15 am for visitors to join.
- Maintains accessible visitor hours Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Provides educational and cultural events such as the African Diaspora Tour and Blessing of the Boats.
- Features a well-preserved historic churchyard with memorials reflecting Bermuda’s diverse history.
- Welcomes newcomers to services and events, emphasizing community and inclusivity.
- Includes facilities like the Edith Clair Spencer Hall for community gatherings.
Cons
- Visitor access to the interior is limited to specific hours, which may require planning.
- A $2 donation is requested for entry, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious visitors.
- Some facilities, like the Unfinished Church, may not be fully developed or accessible for all visitors.
- Services and events are primarily centered in St. George’s, with limited satellite locations.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Angela S. M. Dill (Timeless* Angel)4 years ago
One of the most historical places in Bermuda. St. Peters is reputed to be the first church ever built on the island - predating even the first government. In fact the meeting of the first governing body is said to be held there. The original church has been renovated and added on to over the years. And there is a triangle shaped, 3-beam, cedar structure built into the ceiling that is supposed to be salvaged from the original building. Also this is the first church I have seen where all the pews are boxed and gated! Apparently, in past times, in order to secure further finances for the church, the pew sections were rented to those who could afford them. Tiny, narrow staircases, one on the left and one on the right, at the back of the church lead up to balcony seating. There are historical church artifacts, photos and other memorabilia on display, paying tribute to past visits by the royal family as well. The sectioned graveyards surrounding the church have been preserved for centuries. There is a separate graveyard at the back, to the west, designated for slaves and free blacks of times gone by. Church services and functions are still held there up to to the present day.
- Zachary Hottel3 years ago
This was an amazing historic treasure within the wonderful town of St. George. The church had a delightful feel and preserved it's historic character. I loved the memorial stones and tablets set within the church's walls honoring those who died on the island and preserving their story. Be sure to check out the historic cemetery surrounding the church as well. It is another historic delight.
- DraMatik Gonzalez3 years ago
This church is incredible. There is also a cemetery behind it that was for free black men and slaves from all around the world. It's truly amazing even burial spots for babies and a lot of people who suffered from the yellow flu just an incredible spot all around it was a. Touching history.
- Sebastian O.2 weeks ago
If you are here on Sunday at 11am feel free to join the service. The congregation is very welcoming to all!
- James Cascade4 years ago
This is the oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere, and even if you don’t pay the nominal fee to go inside, it’s worth a walk through the surrounding graveyard. The hours for an interior tour are limited, and we were unable to go inside.
- Roxanne Bussell10 months ago
Beautiful church!!! The grounds of the cemetery leave you breathless!!
- Kenyon Bajus3 years ago
A little church with a lot of history. It’s worth stopping in to walk around the inside and outside in the cemetery.
- Love Life and food2 years ago
Beautiful make sure to talk to the nice lady she She'll give you history lesson 101
- Anno R2 years ago
There is a 2$ donation for the church, but would recommend the visit as its the oldest church in bermuda and very well preserved
- Ben Smith9 months ago
Beautiful little church with fantastically kept grounds.
Services and facilities
Services
- Holy Eucharist
- Morning Prayer
- Sunday School
- African Diaspora Tour
- Emancipation Sunday Celebration
- Blessing Of The Boats
- Ascension Day Sunrise Service
- Walk To Calvary Reenactment
- Lent Weekly Presentations
Facilities
- Edith Clair Spencer Hall
- Unfinished Church
- Chapel Of Ease
- Historic Churchyard
- Segregated Graveyard
Events and programs
Emancipation Sunday Celebration and Memorial Wreath-laying Service
Annual
Annual service held at St. Peter’s Church to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
Annual Blessing of the Boats
Annual
Event for seafarers and ocean enthusiasts held at Church Wharf, St. David’s.
Ascension Day Sunrise Service
Annual
Service held at Clearwater Beach, Southside, St David's.
Walk to Calvary Reenactment
Annual
Historic reenactment of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ through the streets of St. George’s.
Season of Lent Weekly Presentations
Weekly during Lent
Series of presentations on the topic of being a faith-filled disciple of Jesus Christ.
Connect
- Phone
- (441) 901-0217
- Phone
- (441) 297 2459
- office@stpeters.bm
- Contact page
- Open contact page