St. Peter's Church (Staten Island)

St. Peter's Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the New Brighton neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic parishes on Staten Island, and a significant landmark in the borough's history.

The parish was established in 1839 to serve the growing Catholic population in the northern part of Staten Island. Prior to its founding, Catholics in the area had to travel to St. Mary's Church in Rossville for Mass and other religious services.

The first church building was a small wooden structure. As the parish grew, a larger, more permanent church was needed. The cornerstone for the present church building, a Gothic Revival structure, was laid in 1844. The church was designed by architect Patrick Charles Keely, a prolific designer of Catholic churches in the United States. The building was completed and dedicated in 1848.

Over the years, St. Peter's Church has played an important role in the religious and social life of the Staten Island community. It has served as a center for Catholic worship, education, and charitable activities. The church complex also includes a rectory, a school (St. Peter's Elementary School), and a cemetery.

The church has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, but it has retained its original architectural character. It continues to be an active parish church, serving the spiritual needs of the local Catholic community.