Celebrating 250 years, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, has witnessed a rich mixture of people and events that reflect critical periods of American political and cultural history. George Washington worshiped here as did abolitionists and slave holders, Whigs, Democrats, and Republicans. St. Peter's was a point of first contact for thousands of immigrants, and the church opened schools for immigrants to help them to acculturate to life in Philadelphia.

Opening a window onto colonial Philadelphia and the nation's histories, St. Peter's Church is a glorious testament to this National Historic Landmark. In addition to the stories and hundreds of black-and-white and color photographs, this handsome volume provides a history of the grounds, the churchyard, and the church itself-a classic example of eighteenth-century Philadelphia design that later incorporated the work of renown architects William Strickland, Thomas U. Walter, and Frank Furness.

Cordelia Frances Biddle is the author of the historical novels: The Conjurer, Deception’s Daughter, Without Fear, andBeneath the Wind. She is a direct descendant of Nicholas Biddle.

Elizabeth S. Browne, a tour guide, tour writer and designer and guide trainer, is a long-time member of St. Peter's Church.

Alan J. Heavens is a veteran newspaper columnist and editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is the author of What No One Ever Tells You About Renovating Your Home and Remodeling on the Money.

Charles P. Peitz is a freelance editor formerly with The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Wall Street Journal.