While few of our present members can trace our roots to this parish, we have made it our home. As we shape its new history, we remain grateful for the legacy of the past on which our efforts are built. It is almost impossible to imagine all the changes this parish has witnessed in the past century and a half: from the pony-express to email; from a small community of immigrants, to a new community of people journeying from various cities and suburbs to form a community of faith. The founding of Saint Peter Church came but a few years after the establishment of the Diocese of Cleveland in 1846. In 1853, the first bishop of Cleveland, Amadeus Rappe, brought pioneer missionary John Luhr from Cincinnati to Cleveland to organize a parish for the growing number of German-speaking immigrants coming into the city. The new congregation, after worshipping for a short time at St. Mary in the Flats and then in the basement of the Cathedral Church, purchased land in 1854 on the corner of Superior Avenue and Dodge St. (now E. 17th).

A combination church and school was built immediately and in 1857 ground was broken for a permanent church, which was dedicated by Bishop Rappe in October of 1859. The church, designed by architects Heard and Porter, is now the oldest Catholic Church building in continuous use in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Both the parish and school grew steadily as waves of new immigrants poured into the city. The parish became the location for the first motherhouse, in Cleveland, of the Sisters of Notre Dame who taught at the school for over 120 years. In addition, the Brothers of Mary taught at St. Peters from 1854 until 1922.

The period between World War I and II saw the beginning of several changes for St. Peter's. As the city business district expanded, the neighborhood began to dwindle and the move to the suburbs took a toll on church membership. Still, many faithful members remained enabling the church to continue. With great joy, it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1953.

The elementary school closed in the early 1960's and a large new addition was built to expand St. Peter High School. The school was merged in 1971 with two other Catholic schools to form Erieview High School.

By the early 1980's the congregation had become quite small. If St. Peter's was to be saved, a new direction had to be taken. In 1985 a joint ministry was formed with the Newman Center at Cleveland State and efforts were made to enhance the presence of the parish within the city. The new life which the students brought began to revitalize the life of the community in union with the continuing efforts of longtime parish members.

Over the past 20 years, the parish has grown in size and activity. Programs of education and arts welcome people throughout the area to St. Peter’s.

Once again the parish is involved in passing on the faith to children and young adults. In the spring of 2000 we celebrated the first confirmation of youth in the parish in 38 years.  

In 1990 a total interior renovation of the church was completed. In 2003, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary and in 2005, after nearly fourteen years of fundraising, the parish dedicated a new belfry and tower, returning its three historic bells to ring out as they had done for over 140 years.

The center of our life is the Liturgy where we gather as the body of Christ, called in one faith and baptism.

St. Peter's has been recognized as a model for liturgical renewal. The parish has been featured in a video by Liturgical Training Publications which has been seen internationally and is used frequently in classes for liturgical study. The church renovation has been singled out, as well, in numerous local and national publications and was awarded a certificate of merit from the Cleveland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1993. 

With the present diocesan restructuring, St. Peter's is facing new and difficult challenges. We are working dilligently to shape a new future and remain a vibrant part of the life of the city and Diocese of Cleveland.

As we look forward to the future, we are grateful for all who have shaped our parish through their love and dedication.  We will continue to work to be formed:

"as living stones built
                 into a holy temple..."

1 Peter 1,5