Restoration and Preservation of St Peter's Church, Their Majesties Chappell

As the centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Town of St. George, St. Peter’s Church has been recognized as an exceptional example of architecture and craftsmanship that reflects key phases of Bermuda’s history and possesses outstanding universal value. Through our ongoing preservation work, The Friends of St. Peter’s Church affirms the importance of protecting Bermuda’s architectural heritage. We view it as our responsibility to maintain this treasured site as a place of learning and as a vital connection to our collective past.

The Friends of St. Peter’s Church is continually challenged by the ongoing responsibility of preserving and maintaining a historic structure that has stood in service to the community for more than three hundred years. As Bermuda’s first institution, first church, and the site of the island’s inaugural meeting of government, St. Peter’s holds a singular place in the island’s history. No other community church bears comparable public access demands or the associated maintenance costs that come with welcoming visitors six days a week.
The initiative seeks to address the ongoing challenge of conserving and preserving a historic heritage site so that the meaningful experience of connecting with Bermuda’s cultural legacy is sustained for generations to come.

The root causes of these challenges will be addressed through a structured one-, two-, and five-year plan of maintenance and restoration projects.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the organization has established an annual maintenance schedule supported by a dedicated budget following each restoration phase. This approach promotes the continuous preservation of the site and enhances efficiency in planning and financial forecasting.
Additionally, the Friends of St. Peter’s Church prioritizes engagement with skilled Bermudian artisans, whose expertise in traditional Bermudian masonry and carpentry is essential to maintaining the authenticity and integrity of Bermuda’s cultural heritage. This commitment not only safeguards the island’s historic environment but also supports local craftsmanship and knowledge transfer within the community.