This historic church was founded in 1772 as Miles Meeting House.  The name was changed to St Peters in 1813, and the present building was constructed in 1852.  In 1964, full-time ministry was discontinued and Immanuel United Methodist Church assumed responsibility for continuing ministry at the site.  Summer services were started as a ministry to campers on Jane's Island and other seasonal residents of our area.  Some of Immanuel's regular congregation also enjoy this earlier more casual service during the summer months.

Olde St Peters is closely linked with Joshua Thomas, the "Parson of the Islands."  Thomas was converted near the site, and preached his first sermon here.  He launched his log canoe, "The Methodist," from the shore just a few yards from St Peters.  Thomas founded many of the churches that have had such a key role in the culture of the Chesapeake Bay area.  At one point, Thomas was assigned the task of ministering to British troops stationed on Tangier Island.  There he famously prophesied to the troops that they would not defeat the American revolutionaries.  An historical marker was placed at the church in 1961 honoring Thomas and the site. 

Olde St. Peters United Methodist Church

Located at 26986 St Peters Church Road in Hopewell, Maryland

SUMMER SERVICES

Worship services are held every Sunday throughout the summer (June, July, August) at 8AM

Immanuel also took over management of the cemetary of Olde St Peters.  One of the oldest graves and tombstones on the shore, that of John Williams, is located near the front step of the church and is marked with a brass plaque.

Handwritten records for St Peters, which date from the 1800's to the 1960's, are available at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture which is located at Salisbury University.  They may be accessed at http://NABBHISTORY.SSU.edu or phone 410-543-6312.