St. Peter's Episcopal Church

ONE BODY, ONE MISSION, CHANGING LIVES

Staff and History

Humble beginnings --- a response to the growing Eastside…

In 1968, seminary students assisting local clergymen completed a survey begun by the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Out of this grew St. Peter's Episcopal Church. By December 1968, a group of 30 was meeting for services in private homes prior to moving to Mitchell Road Elementary School. The Reverend Rogers Harris became the priest-in-charge on January 1, 1969.

On August 3, 1969, The Reverend Henry L. Heath, Jr., from Alabama, became the next priest-in-charge. The mission took on new growth and was organized as St. Peter's Episcopal Church on October 24, 1969, with then Bishop John A. Pinkney present.

A mission is organized…
St. Peter's first service as an organized mission took place October 26, 1969, and, in February 1970, the church was accepted by the Diocese as an organized mission. By June 1973, a move was made to Brushy Creek Elementary School for more space for Sunday School classes.

Ground is broken…
Ground was broken at St. Peter's present location on February 10, 1975. The Rt. Rev. George Alexander, Bishop, and The Venn. William A. Beckham, Archdeacon, dedicated the church building in a service of Thanksgiving on September 7 of that year. What is now Stockstill Hall was the original worship space. A faded green trailer served as the first nursery.

Achieving Parish status…
The Rev. Marshall O. James assumed duties as Vicar of St. Peter's in August 1981. In February 1984, the church achieved parish status, and called The Rev. James to be the first rector.

In October 1985, The Rev. Eric Schnaufer came to St. Peter's from Dublin, Georgia. The Rev. Jack Hardaway was St. Peter's first assistant from June of 1995 to November of 1997. The Rev. Mary Moore Roberson answered a call to St. Peter's in 1999 and assisted for four years. Deacon Steve McDonald served at St. Peter's from 1991 until Lent, 2003.

Expanding into a larger church…
In fall 1987, the worship area and classroom space almost doubled in size through a major building expansion. The congregation had increased in membership to 160 communicants.

Rapid growth resulted in three Sunday morning services, as well as Sunday School. Plans were developed for additional expansion.

In 1992 the administrative offices, chapel, and present nave were completed and we continued to grow.

In 2008 renovations were completed in the Chapel of the Holy Family.

Making room for fellowship…
In 2000, the Segars Pavilion, in honor of E. Harold Segars, Jr., was constructed to shelter parish picnics, as well as youth and parish family events.
In 2001, building renovations created space for an expanded and upgraded kitchen.

We raise our voices in song and praise…
The parish is blessed to have Craig Piepho as its new organist/choirmaster in 2001, following a decade of service by Freeman Orr.

Our ministries within our parish and to the community continue to grow …
St. Peter's implemented a strategic plan for mission in 2001 and began to turn the plan into action.

In 2002, Adult Christian Formation expanded, Vacation Bible School gained momentum, and nursery facilities grew. Parish support for youth activities has grown in innovative ways and our youth groups are flourishing.

The St. Peter's Players (our drama group) has performed for the parish, the community, and the diocese! Our next production will be The Music Man in November.

We continue to expand our youth program! Our Youth Ministries Director is Erika Spinelli.

Welcome…
St. Peter's welcomes you and hopes you will find fellowship and a community where you can worship and bask in God's love.