Our History

An Intergenerational Faith Community from the Start

–– Young children and active seniors

A thriving community

St. Peter’s is a thriving community of families with young children and active seniors who gather for worship, service, and fellowship. Founded in 1961, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a growing church with people at all stages of life actively involved in the lay ministries and leadership of the parish.

The founders chose the Apostle Peter as our namesake because we reflect our surrounding community. In the words of a founder:

Peter worked at an occupation common for his day.  Members of the congregation are a cross-section of the common man in Arlington: government employees, the military establishment, computer workers, lawyers, and bankers. They are like the “fishermen” of St. Peter’s day.  Peter was strong, aggressive, vigorous, and even “physical.”  The new congregation is in the same mold.  He denied his Lord more than once.  Still, Christ entrusted him with a sacred and awesome responsibility: to be the first Bishop of his church on Earth.  Like Peter, the new congregation has often denied the Lord but continues to be forgiven.  We are persevering in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. 

Founders Feature

The faithful people who founded our church

Jesus said “every good tree bears good fruit,” and “by their fruits you shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20.  At St. Peter’s, we believe a church bears good fruit not only in its own mission, worship, and fellowship activities, but also by inspiring and supporting parishioners who go out to serve our community in their own civic and volunteer work.  In this way, a good church generates a valuable boon and dividend for the community it serves. 

–– Our Founders Chose Clear Windows

Architecture

Our founders chose clear windows for the church as a reminder that our work is out in the community.

The building was extensively renovated and expanded in 2014. It has an intimate chapel, large open worship area, Sunday school classrooms, a parish/social hall, library, conference rooms and meeting space, choir rooms, a Steinway grand piano and organ, Memorial Garden, a playground, and the church administrative offices.

–– Leadership

Past and Present Rectors

  • The Reverend Edward S. Gleason (1962-1966)

  • The Reverend Jess H. Stribling Jr. (1967-1974)

  • The Reverend Dr. Timothy W. Dols (1975-2001)

  • The Reverend W. Bruce McPherson (Interim Rector 2001-2002)

  • The Reverend Dr. Craig A. Phillips (2002-June 2021)
    The Reverend Dr. Andy Anderson (Interim Rector 2021-2022)

  • The Reverend Jenifer C. Gamber (2023-current)