St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Albany, New York)

St. Peter's Episcopal Church
South (front) elevation, 2011
Religion
AffiliationEpiscopal Church
LeadershipFr. Paul Hartt, rector
Location
Location105 State Street
Albany, New York
Geographic coordinates42°39′3″N 73°45′14″W / 42.65083°N 73.75389°W / 42.65083; -73.75389
Architecture
Architect(s)Richard Upjohn and Richard M. Upjohn
TypeChurch
StyleFrench Gothic Revival
FounderThe Rev. Thomas Barclay
Groundbreaking1859
Completed1876
Construction cost$61,532.07
Specifications
Direction of façadeSouth
Length136 feet (41 m)
Width68 feet (21 m)
Height (max)64 feet (20 m)
Spire(s)2
Spire height180 feet (55 m)
MaterialsStone
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Added to NRHPMarch 16, 1972
NRHP Reference no.72000817
Designated as NHLJanuary 16, 1980
Website
St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, also known as St. Peter's Church, is located in downtown Albany, New York, United States. It was designed in the mid-19th century by Richard Upjohn and his son Richard M. Upjohn in the French Gothic Revival architectural style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and designated a National Historic Landmark eight years later. It is also a contributing property to the Downtown Albany Historic District.

The church was established at the behest of Queen Anne in 1715. The church still has a silver communion service set given to it by her. It was the first Anglican congregation north of New York City and west of the Hudson River.

A building was erected shortly after the church was established, housing it for the rest of the 18th century. In 1758, George Howe, 3rd Viscount Howe, was buried here after his death leading an attempt to recapture Fort Ticonderoga during the French and Indian War. His grave remains in the current church, making him the only British peer buried in the United States.

The original building was replaced in 1803. That building yielded to the current structure almost 60 years later, with the tower making it complete in 1876. It is often considered one of the elder Upjohn's best-known works, although his son was largely responsible for designing the tower, its most distinctive feature. The interior includes some original Clayton & Bell stained glass windows and sculpture by Louis Saint-Gaudens.