St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Germantown

St. Peter's Episcopal Church is a Gothic-style church building in Germantown featuring detailed stonework and a prominent spire that rises above the surrounding neighborhood. The structure was designed by the Furness & Hewitt architectural firm and includes interior spaces originally arranged for worship and community gatherings.

Construction started in 1873 at the initiative of Henry Howard Houston, Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, as part of developing the Germantown neighborhood. The building emerged during a period when wealthy railroad executives and their families moved to the area and shaped its architectural character.

The church served as a gathering place for Germantown's prosperous residents who came together for worship and community events throughout the 20th century. This social role helped define the neighborhood's character as a destination for railroad executives and business leaders.

The building now houses the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, so visitors can observe the exterior architecture and stonework from the surrounding streets. Walking around the property allows you to appreciate the spire and architectural details that are visible from public areas.

The building once housed two notable Tiffany stained glass windows and murals by artist Violet Oakley, which were later relocated to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. These art pieces reflected the affluent past of the site and its status as a center of cultural importance.