1867
Piper City area Catholics attended Mass in homes or public halls whenever possible.
1880
Piper City residents wanted a church of their own in which to worship.
Matthew Soran donated the land and loaned the money for lumber to construct the church. Donations were taken to pay off the debt. Peter Gallahue was the largest contributor so he was given the privilege of naming the church, St. Peter.
1882
The first church was built. It was a small wooden structure 66 x 32 feet.
1887
St. Peter Parish was founded. As Piper City grew, independent status was granted. Fr. Donat Crowe was the first pastor of St. Peter with an out mission at Cullom.
1915
The small wooden church was being outgrown by the parish. Plans were made to construct a new brick church.
Instead of immediately razing the old church, it was moved off the site so parishioners would have a place to worship during the construction of the new church.
1917
The present church was built at a cost of $25,000
The red brick structure is 83 x 56 feet and is of Gothic style modeled after the English and Irish chapels of the 12th century. The church was dedicated by Bishop M. Dunne on July 10, 1917 while Fr. Louis M. Connor was pastor. During Fr. Oliver Walsh's tenure, 1971-1975, a parish hall was planned and construction began.
1975
Fr. Oliver Walsh died and the hall was completed under Fr. Matthew Walsh
Fr. Matthew served as a missionary in Africa for 25 years before he served Piper City for more than a decade. He was particularly loved by the whole community and awarded number one fan status for his support of school sports.
2006
The church was struck by lightning
The quick action of local firemen saved the building and after a year of worship in the hall the church was occupied. None of the artwork was lost and the entry way area was remodeled and expanded. Fr. John Balluff has served as pastor for over 10 years and oversaw the restoration of the high altar.
