Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail

Description: Afro-Bahamians immigrating to Key West in the 1870s formed the first black Episcopal parish in Florida. In 1875, during a meeting presided over by Bishop John Freeman Young, the congregation adopted the name “St. Peter’s.” The church appointed Dr. J. L. Steele as its first rector. Early services were held in rooms and halls around town, while sacraments were celebrated in nearby St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a white church where Steele also served as rector. In 1887, the congregation bought land on Center Street and built a permanent church building, covering the cost of construction themselves. In 1909, the building was damaged in a hurricane. It was repaired, but ultimately destroyed during a second hurricane in 1910. A new church building was completed in 1924, and is currently in use. It features many Gothic Revival style elements, including pointed arches, steepled roof, and decorative stained-glass windows. Throughout its history, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has remained one of the largest historically African American congregations in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. In 1971, the church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building in the Key West Historic District.