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Established in 1822, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
has played an important part in diocesan and community life.
The church facility sits at the corner of Main and Bonner.
In its formative years, St. Peter’s used the "free
church" along with the Methodists, Presbyterians, and
Baptists. In 1824 St. Peter’s erected a frame church
on the grounds facing Main Street. That church burned in
1864 (as an indirect result of Union occupation of Washington).
From that church, the crystal chandelier, the baptismal
font, and several side chairs survive.
The present church, a Gothic Revival brick building with
lancet windows dominated by an off-center, 4-stage tower,
was begun in 1867 and completed in 1873. It was laid out
to face the east. Bishop Thomas Atkinson consecrated the
church in December, 1875.
St. Peter’s sits in an historic churchyard bordered
by stately oaks and marked by plantings of rare trees. The
sanctuary, chapel, parish hall, day school, and offices
occupy the church building. In the churchyard is the grave
of Col. James Bonner, founder of the town of Washington.
The outdoor chapel and herb garden offers a place for quiet
contemplation and meditation. The walls of this outdoor
chapel hold tablets naming those whose ashes have been buried
in the churchyard.
The church has an active ministry to the Hispanic population
of Beaufort County. It also has an outstanding day school where children
may receive an early Christian education.
Saint Peter’s serves a congregation of 644 active
members. Its vision statement is, "As disciples of
Jesus Christ: Reaching out in compassion and equipping for
ministry."
A detailed history of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
is recorded in On This Rock, a history of the church written
and published in connection with the celebration of St.
Peter’s 175th year. This history is available in the
church office, as well as in local libraries.
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