A Story Still Unfolding.

Every community has a story—moments of faith, change, and growth that shape who we are. At Saint Peter’s, our story is one of ordinary people learning to follow Jesus together, in every season of life.

Read about the founders

Black and white sketch of a large brick house with multiple windows, steep roof, chimneys, and a small cupola, with trees and people outside.

Our beginning

Saint 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 “Saint 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.

Artistic rendering of the church, 1963 with Stafford Street entrance.

Read about the founders

Gold cross with 'IHS' symbol hanging in front of a large window with multiple panes, view of green trees outside.

We are 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, Saint 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.

We are growing

Over time, Saint 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 Saint Peter’s become the parish it is today.

Ask for our written history & archives

A large outdoor gathering of predominantly older adults seated on chairs and benches on a lawn, with some people standing and mingling in the background among tall trees and a house, during daytime with sunlight filtering through the trees.

This is us 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 Saint Peter’s become the parish it is today.

First Rector: The Reverend Edward S. Gleason (1962-1966)
Second Rector: The Reverend Jess H. Stribling Jr. (1967-1974)
Third Rector: The Reverend Dr. Timothy W. Dols (1975-2001)
Fourth Rector: The Reverend Dr. Craig A. Phillips (2002-June 2021)
Fifth Rector: The Reverend Jenifer C. Gamber (2023-current)

An elderly woman with gray hair smiling, wearing a black top with a white clerical collar, standing outside near a red wall.

The Rev. Jenifer Gamber, Fifth Rector

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