Why does Skokie have two churches named for St. Peter?

In 1865, Peter Blameuser, II arrived in Niles Center. Originally from Prussia, Blameuser made $10,000 prospecting out West and purchased nearly 185 acres in Niles Township, the majority of which would become Downtown Skokie.  He subdivided and sold much of the land, while also running a general store and tavern and starting the local Farmers’ Market. 

In 1867, Blameuser and his wife donated land for the construction of both St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Peter Catholic Church and requested that they be named for his patron saint.