St. Peter's was founded in 1758 in newly settled Society Hill with the first service held on September 4, 1761.

Smith designed it in the mid-Georgian auditory style, with the classical lines and clear glass windows of the Age of Reason.

The pulpit and lectern are set at the opposite end of the aisle from the altar, projecting into the congregation, in order to focus attention on the Word of God, a reflection of the religious thought of the day.

Slaves and servants of members sat on hard benches at the west end of the gallery.

One of these slaves, Absalom Jones, became a highly respected leader of the free black community of Philadelphia.