Church of Saint Peter Claver Milestones

We’ve come this far by faith

1888 Archbishop John Ireland adopts St. Peter Claver as patron for a special “congregation of converts. Ireland is an active promoter of equal rights.

1892 St. Peter Claver Church built at Aurora and Farrington (founded Wednesday, December 21, 1892).

1897 Parish is integrated.

1942 Golden Jubilee year (50th).

1947-1950 Oblate Sisters of Providence from Baltimore first come to St. Peter Claver and a census indicates that the parish neighborhood can support a school. St. Peter Claver School opens in 1950. An 8-lane bowling alley built in the basement is used to help raise and provide recreation. The Worn-A-Bit Shop begins, and proceeds are used to help finance the school. 

1954 Convent for the Oblate Sister was built at Central and Oxford

1957 Present church is completed April 20, just in time for Easter Vigil Service; construction of rectory begins and is completed this year; the old church at Aurora and Farrington is demolished.

1966 "Mississippi Stop," A youth Road Show is developed and produced by the Saint Peter Claver Youth

1971 Parish elects the first Parish Council; meetings begin in the fall.

1975 The Oblate Sisters of Providence withdraw the sisters from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis due to a need to re-distribute personnel

1979 The process of renovating the Parish Hall begins; the whole parish gets involved in the project.  Urban Catholic Community School begins classes as a result. The Community School operates for two years.

1981 The St. Peter Claver Gospel Ensemble is formed. The school returns to the parish as St. Peter Claver School. 

1983 July: Rondo Days Festival, the largest African American festival in the state, is held for the first time. The starting point of the Rondo Days parade has traditionally been at Saint Peter Claver Church.

1984 Council and Court #256 of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary is officially formed.

1986 St. Peter Claver hosts one of three Listening Sessions in the Process of Developing Black Catholic Ministry in the Archdiocese.

Loyola Spiritual Center moves into the St. Peter Claver Convent.

1989 St. Peter Claver School closes

1990 The newly remodeled Sanctuary is blessed by Bishop Carlson.

1991 The first Nigerian wedding is celebrated at St. Peter Claver.

1992 Parish Centennial is celebrated

1993 Kujenga, an African American Catholic youth retreat from the entire metro area is held at Saint Peter Claver.

1994 The Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary gives the first annual Kevin Parker Award, acknowledging a young person outstanding in service and academics. The Award is accompanied by a scholarship.

1995 The parish adds a second Sunday Mass at 8:00 AM, to accommodate increased attendance.

1997: Parish member Fred Johnson is ordained a permanent deacon – only the second African-American clergyman ordained for the Archdiocese in its history.

2001 September: Saint Peter Claver Catholic School reopens with students in Kindergarten and grades 1-3. 

2005 A Cameroonian Choir is formed and begins to lead the music at the 10:00 Mass once each month.

2006 May: Boy Scout Troop 96 enters a long run of successful development of Eagle Scouts. Within a few years, the Claver-based troop will be recognized for having produced more African American Eagle Scouts than any other troop in the nation.

2012 The Altar and Rosary Society holds its first annual Luncheon and Tea, replacing the Fashion Show

2016 Saint Peter Claver School becomes an affiliate of a network of urban Catholic schools, enjoying its own local management but receiving additional support through Ascension Academy.

2017 125th Anniversary of the Parish is celebrated on November 19

2018 Nigerian Mass begins at Saint Peter Claver 

2020 Covid-19 pandemic occurs, forcing the church to Livestream Mass