Peter’s, our story is one of our most precious gifts. It’s a story about a community of people who have strived to follow Jesus in good times and difficult times. It’s a story about perseverance, courage, hope, love and resilience. Our story began in the late nineteenth century, when early Japanese pioneers immigrated Washington. Among them were a small number of Japanese Anglicans who eventually
formed the Japanese Mission of the Episcopal Church in Seattle. In 1932, despite the Great Depression, a new church building was completed on South King Street, our present location. Peter’s continued to grow and thrive until the onset of World War II. During the War, the church closed, and members of St. Peter’s were forcibly moved and incarcerated in desolate camps away from the West Coast. They found their faith in God and the United States sorely tested. Despite the oppressive conditions, pervasive racism, and badly impaired morale, church members and clergy worked through these challenges the best they could. After the war, the mission for St. Peter’s was rebuilding and reclaiming damaged lives. The church became a refuge and center for the community, offering comfort and support for members who had been painfully scarred by their wartime experiences and continuing oppression. In 1962, a new church was built next to the original one, which was converted into a multi-purpose gymnasium. By the 1980s, most parishioners had successfully created post-war lives. Some Nisei, and even more Sansei—second and third generations in America—found employment in mainstream positions, rather than in the ethnic economy. During this time, St. Peter’s discerned a more diverse and inclusive vision of church. While reverencing their history, members opened their doors and hearts to new people, including people from many different backgrounds. Peter’s, we strive to welcome people from all walks of life. Our community is diverse. It includes Japanese Americans and other Asian Americans, as well as African Americans and Anglo-Americans, LGBTQ people, people who do not have homes and people who do, refugees, people who struggle with addiction and live with mental illness, and many more. Week after week, we come to be nourished by holy food at God’s table, and then to be sent out as Jesus’ Body in the world.
