Our Story
Where we come from and where we are going.
Every community has a story—
moments of faith, change, and growth that shape who we are.
At St. Peter’s, our story is one of ordinary people learning to follow Jesus together, in every season of life.
Beginning
St. Peter’s was founded in 1961 by a group of people who believed the church should reflect the life of its community—ordinary people, living ordinary lives, seeking God together.
They chose the name “St. Peter” with intention.
Peter was not perfect—he was faithful, impulsive, and deeply human. And still, he was called.
From the beginning, this community has seen itself in that story:
a people learning, growing, and trusting that God works through imperfect lives.
Sent Out
When the church building was designed, it was built with clear windows—
a quiet but powerful reminder that our life of faith is not meant to stay inside these walls.
From the start, St. Peter’s has understood its calling as something lived in the world:
in relationships, in service, and in the everyday lives of its people.
That vision continues to shape who we are today.
Growing
Over time, St. Peter’s has grown and changed alongside the Arlington community.
The building has been expanded, new ministries have been born, and new generations found a home here.
Through each season, the parish has remained rooted in worship, learning, and service—adapting to new needs while holding onto a shared sense of purpose.
Faithful clergy and lay leaders have guided the community through these changes, helping St. Peter’s become the parish it is today.
Today
Today, we continue that story—
learning to follow Jesus in our own time,
and listening for where God is calling us next.
We are still a community of ordinary people,
Gathered together by Christ
Transformed by God’s grace
Sent out to serve
Leadership
Over the years, faithful clergy and lay leaders have guided this community through seasons of growth and change, helping St. Peter’s become the parish it is today.
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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)
Join Us
Today, we continue that story—
learning to follow Jesus in our own time,
and listening for where God is calling us next.