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, they fade into the background, blending into the surroundings.
One memorial, however, stands out—a framed proclamation on the second floor of the parish house. Dated December 11, 1932, this simple document carries significant meaning. It contains four paragraphs of text and seven columns of signatures, marking a pivotal event rather than honoring an individual. On this day, the communicants of St. Peter’s recommitted to “preserving and more firmly rooting the Christian ideals” of the church in their neighborhood. They also pledged to support the parish’s mission and attend services regularly. Dr. Edward Miller Jefferys, who had served as rector for 26 years up to this point, signed first despite attempting to resign the year before (he would try to resign again in 1934).
While it might seem unusual for a parish to publicly reaffirm its commitment to its neighborhood, by the 1930s, the Episcopal parishes in Center City were grappling with what became known as the “downtown church problem.” First explored by Clarence Young, a University of Pennsylvania graduate student, in his 1911 dissertation, the downtown church problem describes the decline in influence and membership of Protestant churches in central urban areas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Demographic shifts, including the rise in Catholic and Jewish populations and the movement of Protestant families to the suburbs, drove this decline. As a result, many downtown churches struggled to maintain support and relevance, facing various social and economic challenges. The problem was further compounded by competition among Protestant denominations, making it even harder for churches to attract and retain members.
Despite these challenges, St. Peter’s Church emerged as a rare success compared to other Episcopal parishes in Center City (especially compared to those east of Broad Street). With a substantial endowment, St. Peter’s was able to support a range of ministries and services to address the diverse needs of the neighborhood and maintain its financial security to preserve its historical edifice. Compared to earlier times, St. Peter’s did struggle as it navigated the changes around the parish; however, its congregants remained committed. As Dr. Jefferys once suggested, “It is no exaggeration to say that the more the neighborhood changes, the more St. Peter’s will be needed here, the more work there will be to do, and the more useful the beloved church will be.”
As we think of our own time, especially about church and parish life post-COVID, Dr. Jefferys’ sentiment about the deep connection between St. Peter’s and its surroundings remain as relevant now as nearly a century ago.
A monthly feature brought to you by the St. Peter’s History Committee. This article was written by parishioner Michael Krasulski.