Our Story

St. Peter’s was established on January 22, 1961, when the congregation held its first service at Madison Elementary School on North Stafford Street in Arlington, with the Reverend Holt Graham presiding. Services continued at the school until a permanent church was built a few hundred yards to the southwest, on the present site. The original church building, a brick edifice surrounded by woods on six acres of land, was dedicated on December 22, 1963. A large addition was built in 1980, housing a chapel, classrooms, and the church offices.

St. Peter’s first Rector was the Reverend Edward S. Gleason, who served from 1962 until 1966. The Reverend Jess H. Stribling Jr. served as Rector from 1967 to 1974. In 1975, the Reverend Dr. Timothy W. Dols was named Rector, and he served until his retirement on April 15, 2001. An interim Rector, the Reverend W. Bruce McPherson was called to guide St. Peter’s through this transition.

In September 2002, the Reverend Dr. Craig A. Phillips was called to serve as St. Peter’s new Rector.  Since that time, St. Peter’s has experienced significant growth.  A third Sunday morning service was added in 2003.  In 2006 we expanded our clergy staff with the addition of a second Assistant to the Rector, focusing additional  resources on families with young children and youth.  Our pledge income has increased by over 80% during this period.

St. Peter’s is located in an historic area of Virginia close to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. It is easily accessible by major roads and bus routes. Set on a wooded and tranquil site, St. Peter’s affords its members and others a quiet place to worship and meditate. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  We welcome those who wish to become involved in the life of the parish and, through it, the spiritual life of the community and the region.