Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2025
1. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Marker
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
this page online
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2017 by Saint Peter's Episcopal Church Vestry 2017, and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1076.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 24° 33.178′ N, 81° 47.98′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Center Street just south of Petronia Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 807 Center St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2025
2. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Seascape Inn Bed & Breakfast (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kermit "Shine" Forbes: Sparring Partner for Papa (about 600 feet away); Captain Dexter and Snowball: The First Six-Toed Cat (about 600 feet away); Tennessee Williams Exhibit (about 600 feet away); Hemingway Boxing in Life and Writing (about 700 feet away); Toby "The Iron Man" Bruce: Hemingway's "Man Friday" (about 700 feet away); Arnold Samuelson: An Unlikely and Poignant Alliance (about 700 feet away); Miriam Williams: Hemingways' Personal Chef (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
