Who We Are
St. Peter Claver Parish is a vibrant, multicultural community united by the love of Christ and dedicated to living our faith. We extend a warm, joyful welcome to all 
and invite you to share in our mission and fellowship, just as Jesus would.
Our story began in February 1937, when the first Mass was celebrated at St. Peter Claver Mission, providing a welcoming spiritual home for African American Catholics in Huntington. This spirit of inclusion fostered a thriving community and drew many to the Catholic faith.
In September 1938, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters opened a school to serve the educational needs of the Black community during segregation. Though legal desegregation occurred in 1954, its full implementation took time. By 1965, the school’s vital role had evolved, and its students transitioned to other parochial schools in the city.
The present church, built in 1981, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the St. Peter Claver family. Today, we continue to flourish, embracing our heritage and looking to the future.
As God’s people, we strive to serve our parish and the wider Christian community by reaching out to those in need—the poor, the abused, and the spiritually hungry—through acts of compassion and service.
To delve deeper into our rich history, please visit the History tab.
Mission Statement
As the People of God, we strive to meet the needs of the Parish community as well as the greater Christian Community by reaching out to the poor and abused with our actions before our words.
“We must speak to them with our hands by giving before we speak to them with our lips”
Our Parish Prayer
Father, pour your spirit on the people of this parish. Grant us a new vision of Your glory, a new experience of Your power, a new faithfulness to Your word and a new consecration to Your service so that Your love may grow among us, and Your Kingdom come, through Christ our Lord, Amen.