St. Peter’s Church 🇺🇸

If you are exploring the rich history of Richmond, Virginia, a visit to St. Peter's Pro-Cathedral offers a deep connection to the city's heritage. As the oldest Catholic church in Richmond, this sacred site holds a prominent place in local history. From the establishment of the Diocese of Richmond in 1850 until the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was finished in 1906, St.

Peter's proudly served as the cathedral and seat of the diocese. Originally built for a predominantly Irish American congregation, the church has remained an active place of worship, continuing to serve roughly 300 congregants as of 2011. When you visit, you can contemplate its vital role in African American religious history. Following the Civil War, the church basement hosted the city's "colored Catholics," starting with a 13-member congregation that included notable individuals like Emily Mitchell, Julia Grandison, Moses and Liza Marx, and Julia Flippen with her children.

As this community expanded to about 50 people, Bishop Keane secured a deed for St. Joseph's Church on Shockoe Hill to support the Black apostolate with help from the Josephites. In 2020, St. Peter's was officially designated a pro-cathedral during the bicentennial celebration of the Diocese of Richmond.

What to see at St. Peter's Church

• The oldest Catholic church in Richmond, designated a pro-cathedral in 2020.
• Served as the cathedral and seat of the Diocese of Richmond from 1850 to 1906.
• Originally home to a predominantly Irish American congregation.
• Hosted an early post-Civil War Black Catholic congregation in its basement that spurred the founding of St. Joseph's Church.

Visiting tips

Take time to honor the historic post-Civil War legacy of the basement congregation when you visit Richmond's oldest Catholic church.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Peter's Church is easy to reach on Richmond’s public transport, and pairs naturally with American Civil War Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Richmond travel guide.