|
HISTORY
In 1981, one of the churches in south Arlington,
did a door-to-door survey and gave the names and addresses of the
families who replied that they were Episcopalian to the Episcopal
Diocese of Dallas and Fort Worth. Soon after the survey, with Bishop
Donald Davies' permission and cooperation, Father Chris Colby visited
with every one on the list. There was enough interest in starting
a mission, so an organizational meeting was held at Doctor Bill
Grammer's house. The name St. Peter and St Paul followed shortly
there after and the first service was offered on All Saints Day,
1981.
The current 4-1/2 acre plot was bought and meetings were started.
The buildings on the property consisted of a small pink brick farmhouse
and several out buildings including a barn. Later a double wide
prefab building was purchased and used as a parish hall and sanctuary.
Father Tom Hightower replaced Father Colby in 1984. The church was
built in 1987 and the first service was held on Easter Day of that
year. In truth, the church was not actually finished and approved
for occupancy so everything was moved in prior to the service and
then returned to the old building following the services. Bishop
Clarence Pope, Jr. blessed the church in the presence of a capacity
congregation. The old double wide building was expanded four different
times by members of the parish volunteering their labor and talents.
The Great Hall was constructed and dedicated by Bishop Jack Iker
on April 25, 1998.
The parish has since hosted a number of events such as Happening,
the Diocesan Convention, the International Ulster Conference Convention,
and an Alpha National Convention. The future looks very bright for
all age groups. We have been truly blessed by God and we continue
to pray and look for opportunities to serve Him.
|
