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.
