As of November 5, 2025: As the government shutdown continues, our neighbors who rely on federal food aid are now in crisis. The federal government has announced that it will release funds for only partial payment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which means those who receive SNAP will likely only receive half of […]
The Food Crisis in Philadelphia: How you can help Read More »
Between the end of the Civil War and the First World War, Philadelphia’s newspapers recorded with remarkable detail the daily life of its Center City Episcopal parishes—and St. Peter’s was no exception. From the calling of new rectors to vivid descriptions of Easter Day services, the local press chronicled the rhythms of parish life with
A St. Peter’s Wedding from 1902 Read More »
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the volunteer archivist of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, I received several requests for information about the 1918 influenza epidemic—how parishes responded, what they endured, and what long-term effects followed. With the archives closed, I turned to digitized parish records I had collected over the past decade,
St. Peter’s Church, the 1918 Influenza Epidemic, and Today Read More »
Dorothy Krotzer, a neighbor who lives just a block from St. Peter’s, was walking her dog Romeo through the churchyard as she often does. Although most of the gravestones around her were in good condition, a few damaged ones caught her eye. Several marble grave markers were cracked and one had been pushed off its
Churchyard Gravestone Repairs Read More »
It is with great joy that we announce the Rev. Laurie Jean Wurm has accepted the call to become the 22nd Rector of St. Peter’s Church. Rev. Laurie will officially begin her ministry with us on August 5. The St. Peter’s Search Committee recommended Rev. Laurie after a thorough search process. In coordination with the
Rev. Laurie Jean Wurm Named 22nd Rector of St. Peter’s Church Read More »
St. Peter’s Church is adorned with plaques and memorials throughout the church and parish house, each telling the stories of those who have shaped its legacy. Portraits of past rectors and images of the church’s picturesque campus line the parish house walls, offering glimpses of generations gone by. Though these memorials once held deep significance,
A Simple Document with a Powerful Message Read More »
Last summer, Parish Administrator Kate Randall was contacted by a patriotic historical organization composed of and incorporated as the “Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.” Unbeknownst to us, that group had discovered that Elizabeth Matthews Heyward, the wife of one of the signers (Thomas Heyward of South Carolina), had been buried in
The Newest Revolutionary War Marker in St. Peter’s Churchyard Read More »
The little light that is hanging from the chancel is an Epiphany star lamp, but we really don’t know much about it! Every year, it is brought down from its home above and behind the front of the chancel on or about January 6, the start of the Epiphany season, and goes back before Ash
The Epiphany Star Lamp Read More »
Now that we are in the hottest season of the year, the Social Justice Discernment Group thought it important to focus on heat related illnesses, ways to stay safe, and disparities in exposure to heat stress. The latter is especially prevalent in urban settings because of what is known as the urban heat island, wherein
Heat-Related Disparities Read More »
Gun violence is a crisis across our country. St. Peter’s is committed to addressing gun violence through education, activism, and helping members access information about effective common sense gun reform possibilities. For this month, here are some simple ways to get involved: Wear Orange Weekend – June 3-4 St. Peter’s will join millions of people
Gun Violence Awareness Read More »
