The early beginnings of this parish were perhaps between 1910-1913 when it was under the Diocese of Calgary and people gathered in the community to worship.  The first records were written in 1913 and refer to St. Peter’s Mission served by Christ Church at which time efforts were made to raise funds to construct the original church building.  This building was built on skids, located at 113 Ave. and 127 St. and dedicated on January 28, 1914.  The church register showed 80 persons in attendance and an offering of $9.10 was received.  The first resident clergyman was Rev. W. H. Davis and during his incumbency the church was moved to 131 St. and 111 Ave.  He enlisted as a chaplain in WWI and was killed in action.  In 1916 Rev. T. Scott became rector and remained until 1920.  One of his sons, baptized at St. Peter’s, was Edward Scott who later became Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.  In the winter of 1921 St. Peter’s moved to 111 Ave. and 127 St., its present location.  The present building was constructed in 1959, dedicated in 1960, and consecrated in 1967.

Music has played a very important part in the life of St. Peter’s.  From 1939 until the early 1990’s there was an active junior choir who won a number of Alberta Music Festival awards, as well as participating regularly in the worship services at church.  The Senior Choir, though never large, has faithfully led the services through the years under the direction of able choir directors and organists.  They have sung at the Westmount Christian Council Festival of Praise each year and were invited to Jasper and Tofield to share in their worship services.

St. Peter’s was one of the founding churches in what is a unique fellowship of denominations, the Westmount Christian Council.  They participate during the year in services, choir concerts, and times of prayer and fellowship.

The Women’s Auxiliary, which came to be known as the Anglican Church Women, has worked faithfully and with great dedication.  They held an annual bazaar and for years made “yummy rummy mincemeat” as a fund raiser.  In addition to this they supported many endeavours in the community and beyond through various activities:  collection and preparation of “ditty” bags for YESS and WIN House; collecting Campbell’s soup labels for a local elementary school; rummage sales; catering weddings and funerals.  Funds raised went to support PWRDF; clergy and parish of Cambridge Bay; regional ACW foster child; Sorrento Centre; College of Emmanuel & St. Chad; among others.

St. Peter’s has taken a very active interest in the greater community around them.  In 1979 we supported one of the “boat people.”  Members of the congregation have participated in ICPM Sunday lunches at Bissell; in the 124 St. Outreach providing clothes as well as ‘staffing’; an annual Shoebox Sunday in support of children around the world; Christmas hampers; breakfasts prepared and served at Westmount School; formed St. Peter’s 2 X 4 Square Dance Club; a mothers’ morning out program; a ministry at Lynwood Nursing Home once a month.

Youth groups over the years have contributed in a positive manner to the life of the parish; Little Helpers, Junior Auxiliary; Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts (St. Peter’s 26th Edmonton Troop has been sponsored since 1942); AYPA.

The Altar Guild at St. Peter’s has been a devoted group of individuals who have attended to the preparation of the sanctuary in a meticulous and beautiful manner.  A Seder meal was hosted by them for four years.  Many of the hangings that are currently used were made by former members Erina and Mona Clegg.

St. Peter’s has always been known as a welcoming and friendly parish.  In support of that there is an ongoing fellowship reflected in pot luck dinners, pancake supper, monthly breakfasts and Sunday coffee and conversation following the worship services.

100th Anniversary Prayer

Almighty God, we give thanks for Your love, grace, and guidance to the people of the Parish of St Peter’s for the past one hundred years.  As we begin our journey into the next century, we ask that Your Holy Spirit continue to help us to know the true meaning of faithful service to you, to each other, and to our community as we strive to spread the word of Your Salvation adn Redemption through the miracle of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen