St Peter's Episcopal Church
Constructed in 1828 by Unknown Architects
The origins of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church date back to 1823. It was during this year that the first Episcopal clergyman arrived in Niagara Falls, a place that had no official church services. It was this man, Rev. Hopkins from New Jersey, who began holding services in the town. However, Hopkins left during late 1823. The village of Niagara Falls did not have frequent service again until 1829. During 1828, three church denominations came together, the Episcopalians, Methodists, and Presbyterians, to build one place of worship that they would share in proportion to their respective contributions. General Whitney donated the land for a chapel in 1828. The land that Whitney donated was located on what is now First Street. It was also during this time that Samuel DeVeaux became involved with the church organization. He was elected to head the building drive for the new chapel. As the chapel was being constructed in January 1829, the parish was incorporated as the “Christ Church” with the elected Wardens Samuel DeVeaux and Samuel Hooker. The first official service in the chapel was held in the summer of 1829 and was conducted by Bishop John Henry Hobart.