Welcome to Peter’s Lutheran Church in Chester Springs where all are welcome! We have a long history and building on all that has been we look to a new and vibrant future!
Come as you are to our 10:00am Sunday morning worship, or join us on facebook (stpete’s). Worship is the foundation of our congregational life mixing both traditional and more contemporary music and worship styles. We value strong preaching, good music, fervent prayer and vital community in our time together. There are plenty of opportunities for you to asst in worship, sing in the choir, or ring in the bell choir!
Music is not limited to worship at St. Peter’s. Our talented music directors have for many years offered music programs using talent from our congregation, our community and the music community at Temple!
At St. Peter’s we are also passionate about being present in our community and we have relationships with the local food bank and several other non-profits where we offer resources. This outreach is one of the ways we use our hand to do God’s loving work.
Looking for more? You might find yourself drawn to our prayer ministry, our weekly Bible study, or maybe you’ll begin something new. We are open to the new directions that God is always showing us in our life together.
All that God has provided us is to be shared as together we grow in Spirit and Faith. If you’d like to know more call or email our church office and ask for the Pastor to give you a call!
A Brief History
After Henry Muhlenberg arrive in Philadelphia as a missionary from Germany in 1742, and baptized seven children in what is now the Chester Springs area, Lutheran congregations began to emerge in the area. The first was Zion’s Church, near spring city. As the congregation grew a new church building was planned, but there was disagreement as to location for the new church home. Should it be on the South side of French Creek, or at the present site? A dispute arose and Muhlenberg along with the newly established Ministerium of Pennsylvania were called on to settle it. The year was 1770. The decision was that a new church would be built on the original sight of Zion and they would all support the cause. Later a church may be built on the other side of French Creek, if so desired. The decision was ignored. Land was purchased on May 16, 1771 for what would become St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Henry Hipple and Michael King conveyed the land to the trustees, Peter Hartman, George Emerie, Conrad Miller and Adam Moses. Even though they went against the decision of the Ministerium, Pastor Muhlenberg, Pastor Voigt (who was chosen to Pastor St. Peter’s) and Pastor Goransson (who preached an English sermon) dedicated the log church on November 8, 1772. Five buildings have served the Lutherans on this hill. The first was the log structure dedicated by Muhlenberg in 1772. In 1811 the deterioration of the log structure prompted the congregation to cooperate with their German reformed neighbors to build a new church building, dedicated on October 4, 1812. These first two buildings were located somewhere in the middle of the cemetery that now lies between the two churches. On January 20, 1835 the second building was destroyed by fire. The cause was listed as arson. Reconstruction began immediately and a new building was dedicated on April 15, 1836. That building exists today as St. Peter’s UCC. Finally, in 1843 the members of St. Peter’s Lutheran erected the fourth building at the top of the hill to move away from revivalist influences the saw developing. It would be known as the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. Peter’s Church. In 1889 the Lutherans still worshipping in the UCC building voted to sell their church and build a new church across the street. Middle Church was dedicated on May 7, 1890. This building was used until it burned down in 1918. In November of 1918 the two Lutheran Churches merged and continue still today to do ministry and worship at the top of the hill.
Interesting facts
St. Peter’s supported the Revolutionary War effort. After the Battle of Brandywine the church was used as a hospital for the troops on their way to Valley Forge and during the encampment.
When the Ministerium of Pennsylvania divided and the East Pennsylvania Synod was formed, St. Peter’s hosted the first regular convention of this body, October 15-18, 1943.
Church records list the following churches as offshoots of the ministry of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Chester Springs (1833), St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lionville, (1839), St. John’s Lutheran Church, Phoenixville, (1862), Central Lutheran Church, Phoenixville, (1876), and Centennial Lutheran Church, Kimberton, (1876).
For over 250 years God’s word has been preached on this hill. We anticipate 250 more!