After 765 days of planning, fundraising, hearing from congregation and community, and securing county permits, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church broke ground on a new church building to replace the historic one destroyed in a fire.
St. Peter’s is a small Northern Neck parish near Colonial Beach that promotes itself as “A Small Church with a Big Heart.” Parishioners gathered Jan. 22 on the front lawn of the blue-tarped remains the Parish House which was connected to the Church Building, torn down and removed after the fire. They stood in the sun on this mild day as Episcopal Diocese of Virginia Bishop E. Mark Stevenson presided over the celebratory ceremony of the shovels.
Assistant Bishops Gayle Harris and Mark Bourlakas joined St. Peter’s Rector, The Rev. Rod Gordon, to bless the beginning of the new building.
“I believe that the Groundbreaking ceremony has given our congregation and the community a visible sign of hope: demonstrating St. Peter’s commitment to rebuild our Church for future generations,” Gordon said afterward.
“Losing a house of worship is heartbreaking,” Stevenson said. “And we also know a church is more than a building, it is a family of believers who gather to offer praise and worship to our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Peter’s suffered the tragedy of a fire two years ago; but on this day we celebrate!”
Before and After the Fire
St. Peter’s is located in Washington Parish, an area sometimes called “the cradle of the nation.” Settlers established it in 1653.The original church building was constructed between 1848–1849 in a Gothic Revival style brick. A vestry room, recept, and the single round Agnus Dei stained glass window were installed in 1860, and the cross-beamed ceiling and raised roof in 1883.
On Dec. 19, 2023, fire destroyed the main church building including the original stained glass windows and Henry Erben organ.
Since then, the resilient parish has been worshiping at a nearby vineyard and held a concert there to raise funds to rebuild. Members did not let the fire prevent their 175th anniversary celebration in 2024.
Through improvements to an outbuilding that was not touched by the fire, St. Peter’s also continues to distribute food each month. St. Peter’s also partnered with Girl Scout Daisies to build a “Trees of the Bible” walking trail on its property.
The crisis also led to the formation of the diocesan Architectural Resources Team, which gives advice to parishes with physical plant-related issues who need professional guidance.
The Service
“Let us go to God’s dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.”
As that antiphon and text from Psalm 132 were sung, two cords were staked to create the Greek letter X (chi), representing the cross and name of Christ.
How wonderful is God in his holy places! The God of Israel, giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!
As that and other texts from Psalm 48 were sung, a third cord was stretched around the stakes, enclosing the area.
Stevenson scooped the first dirt, saying, “Since faithful people desire to build a house of prayer, dedicated to the glory of God and in honor of St. Peter, on this ground, now marked with the symbol of Christ. Therefore, I break ground for this building, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the Gospel be preached, the Sacraments administered, and prayers and praises offered in this place, from generation to generation.”
The New St. Peter’s
The design of the new church, developed with support from MW Architects, and BFG Civil Engineering, takes inspiration from its colonial history while embracing the future of St. Peter’s.
Even though the groundbreaking service bulletin put a blank for the church’s resurrection date (“202_”), Spartan Construction estimates construction will take about eight months.
Your Support Needed
St. Peter’s invites all to participate in its online Groundbreaking Fundraiser, including travel opportunities to bid on or purchase at lower than market prices. The fundraiser is open until Feb. 8.
Direct donations to the restoration effort can be made through this link.