The original St. Peter's began as an Episcopal mission established in 1853.

Bishop William H. DeLancey appointed Dr. James Rankine, who conducted services in a small wooden chapel in 1861.

Another president of Hobart, Dr. Maunsell Van Rensselaer also served as an early rector of St. Peter's Church.

[1] The cornerstone of the current large gothic structure, designed by the noted American architect Richard Upjohn was laid in 1868 and the church construction completed in 1870, when it was consecrated as a memorial to Bishop DeLancey, where his remains are interred.

[1] Most recently, in 1986, the church underwent a complete restoration and the St. Peter's Community Arts Academy was established.