About Us

The Setting

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is located in Bay Shore, New York, adjacent to the Great South Bay.  The parish grounds are situated on an expansive estate, donated to St. Peter’s Church by the family of Landon K. Thorne in the 1950s. 

St. Peter’s is proud of the manner in which the buildings and grounds are maintained. Among the newest addition to the facilities is the “Prayer and Memorial Garden."  St. Peter’s has a working organic farm on the premises and provides community members  with the opportunity for real time experience in recycling, organic farming, planting and harvesting. The grounds boast a shaded picnic area and grass athletic fields.

Points of Interest

•Our magnificent main church seats 500. A bell tower with electronic carillon is the focal point for the main entrance. The nave and sanctuary are spacious and open with striking Stained-Glass windows depicting Episcopal Church history. 
•In addition there are two chapels (seating 75 & 40) for more intimate services. 
•Our three manual, 56 rank, Gress-Miles pipe organ is a treasure, reflecting the emphasis we place on glorifying God through our music ministries. 
•Active parish hall and meeting facilities for: Boy Scouts, AA, NA, Faith & Light, Special PALS,  plus clergy and administrative offices and sacristy. 
•Our organic vegetable garden raises healthful, nutritious produce for distribution through our outreach ministries. 
•St. Peter's Columbarium provides a permanent place of rest for committal of cremated remains on church grounds. A memorial wall is set in a peaceful garden. Continuing dedicated care is provided free of charge. 
•We have ample parking and well-maintained, beautifully landscaped grounds for parish picnics, outdoor prayer groups, bible study and discussion. 
•A large part of St. Peter's buildings and grounds is devoted to our Day School, which you can access through the main menu. 

This is a place where prayer is wont to be made, a house where Christ by His Sacramental Presence makes a home

Our courteous Lord willeth that all should be a homely with Him as heart may think or soul may desire

But let us beware that we take not so recklessly this homeliness as to leave off courtesy.

— Julian of Norwich