ST. PETER'S HISTORY
About St. Peter’s Church
Summer Sunday church services were started in the 1960s by a small group of “worship pioneers” who arranged for use of the historic Union Church. They appropriately chose the name St. Peter's by the Lake. Among the initial clergy provided by the diocese was the Rev. Raymond Hall, whose family are summer members today. (Rev. Ben and Faith Hall).
By 1974 attendance had grown and a year-round church was established. Early members included Harry and Pat Sprackland, Jack and Vaughn Goodman, Arthur and Blanche Martin. The Rev. Graham Pierce became the first vicar. He was followed by the Rev. John Messinger, a much beloved Priest who served for 12 years.
Because the Union Church was not suitable for year-round use, this dedicated group sought another home and changed the church name to simply St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The search for a worship space caused them to become steadfast “wanderers” in their quest for a permanent home. Over the years Sunday Services were held at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, South Bridgton Congregational Church, and finally the Bridgton United Methodist Church. In fact, there were times when church members’ homes became places of worship.
In 2005, enthusiasm had built for the idea and finalization of the dream of building a church. Both the rector, Bishop John Smith, and the Bishop of Maine, Chilton Knudsen, provided strong leadership, and the realization of this began. Led by William White, the financial plan was drawn up and the building successfully completed.
Summer Sunday church services were started in the 1960s by a small group of “worship pioneers” who arranged for use of the historic Union Church. They appropriately chose the name St. Peter's by the Lake. Among the initial clergy provided by the diocese was the Rev. Raymond Hall, whose family are summer members today. (Rev. Ben and Faith Hall).
By 1974 attendance had grown and a year-round church was established. Early members included Harry and Pat Sprackland, Jack and Vaughn Goodman, Arthur and Blanche Martin. The Rev. Graham Pierce became the first vicar. He was followed by the Rev. John Messinger, a much beloved Priest who served for 12 years.
Because the Union Church was not suitable for year-round use, this dedicated group sought another home and changed the church name to simply St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The search for a worship space caused them to become steadfast “wanderers” in their quest for a permanent home. Over the years Sunday Services were held at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, South Bridgton Congregational Church, and finally the Bridgton United Methodist Church. In fact, there were times when church members’ homes became places of worship.
In 2005, enthusiasm had built for the idea and finalization of the dream of building a church. Both the rector, Bishop John Smith, and the Bishop of Maine, Chilton Knudsen, provided strong leadership, and the realization of this began. Led by William White, the financial plan was drawn up and the building successfully completed.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
September 1, 2007
September 1, 2007
Land Clearing
Work in Progress
September 30, 2007
September 30, 2007
Building of the Church
December 7, 2007
December 7, 2007
Finishing the Inside of the church
Putting up the Steeple
Moving—In Day
First Sunday Service
