St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Saint Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Location	1204, 1213, 1214, and 1215 S. Eighth St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nearest city	Milwaukee
Built	1885
Architect	Andrew Elleson
Architectural style	Victorian Gothic
NRHP reference No.	87001736
Added to NRHP	September 25, 1987

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, also known as Iglesia Luterana San Pedro, is a very old and important church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is located in the Walker's Point area. The buildings here are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History of the Church

How St. Peter's Began

The St. Peter's church community, called a "congregation," started on February 14, 1860. It was founded by 34 German immigrants who came to Milwaukee. In 1861, the congregation bought a wooden building for its first church. They moved it to the corner of South Eighth and West Scott Streets.

Early Buildings

In 1866, the church community built a small brick church. It had a Gothic style and was designed by John Rugee. Later, in 1873, they added a wooden house called a "parsonage." This house was for the church's pastor and is still standing today. In 1879, a school building was also added. In 1884, some families left to start a new church called Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. St. Peter's Church is part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).

The Main Church Building

The main church building you see today was designed by Milwaukee architect Andrew Elleson. It was built in 1885 in the Victorian Gothic style. The church has a cruciform shape, like a cross, when viewed from above. It has two large square towers at the front entrance. One tower is about 100 feet tall, and the other is about 165 feet tall.

Special Features of the Church

The larger tower has pointed roof sections called "pedimented gables." These look similar to older churches in Germany. The tops of the towers and the main roof have crosses. Inside, the church is very well-preserved. The altar, which is a special table for services, stands in a tall, rounded area called an "apse." Behind the altar is an old white wooden screen called a "reredos." To the left of the altar is a raised, cup-shaped platform called a "pulpit," where sermons are given.

A U-shaped balcony goes around the sides and back of the main seating area, known as the "nave." This kind of balcony was common in German churches from the 1700s. A large pipe organ is located at the back of the church. This organ was built in parts, first in 1914 and then updated in 1948-1949.

Other Buildings in the Complex

Besides the main church, there are other important buildings that are part of the complex:

• The 1873 parsonage is located south of the church. It is a wooden building with a simple Italianate style. Today, it is used for the church offices.
• The 1879 school building is across the street from the church. It is a two-story brick building also designed in the Italianate style by architect John Rugee.
• The 1898 social hall was designed by O. C. Uehling. It stands south of the school building.

In 1860, the church and its buildings were built in a working-class neighborhood. This area had many modest homes where immigrants lived. The south side of Milwaukee still has a similar feel today.

Images for kids

• Gallery
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  First church, circa 1860

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  Exterior View

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  Interior View - West

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  Interior View - East