About Us
Two centuries in Columbia. Hundreds of faith seekers. One St. Peter’s.
St. Peter’s exists to love Christ, serve others, and enrich our community. We are a congregation of sinners bound by the unfailing love of Christ. We seek to serve the hurting, love our neighbors, and spread the Gospel through community service and faithful worship.
At St. Peter’s, you’ll find:
Active friendship
We’re a very active parish, and we love being together. Gatherings and parties are a big part of who we are – there’s always something going on at St. Peter’s, and you’re invited! With activities, groups, events, and more all week long, we have something for everyone.
A grace-centered atmosphere
St. Peter’s is a place in which all are loved and none are judged. The people of St. Peter’s come from every kind of background and entertain every kind of perspective, all while being connected in the love of the living Christ and His worship at the Altar.
Historic worship
St. Peter’s is built on Biblical theology; we are a liturgical church, which means our worship follows a structure rooted in centuries of living tradition. If parts of the service seem mystifying, that’s okay! We’ll be delighted to show you what we do in the same way that someone once showed us.
Curious about our message?
We invite you to listen to the latest sermon, download past recordings, livestream with us, and more.
Find your place at St. Peter’s
We encourage our members and visitors to get involved in Parish Life as much or as little as they’d like. No matter your age, background, or faith journey, we have something for everyone!
Questions? We’re an open book.
Check out our FAQ page for info on Episcopal traditions, our worship experience, and more – even common details like parking.
The Reverend Christopher Bowhay
Rector
Chris Bowhay began his service at St. Peter’s in April of 2015. He was ordained in Washington, D.C. in 1992, married to Sally in San Francisco in 1997 and, with their daughter Augusta, cheerfully followed Our Lord’s call to Houston in 2000 and then Nashville in 2012. He loves to experience and then share connections between old books he reads, new movies he watches, music of all kinds, and the love of God. He secretly wishes he could be a chef, write scripts for scary movies, or design and make fireworks – anything that delights and brings people together.
Want to chat in person?
Please feel free to call or email me directly. I’d be truly delighted to speak or meet with you. – Rev. Bowhay
Our Leadership Team
Rev. Bonnie Lloyd-Downs
Deacon
Rev. Ted Edwards
Priest Associate
Glenn Perry
Organist
Peter Douglas
Choir Director and Organist
Anne Ciccoline
Director of Administration
Jeany Glowacki
Front Desk
Carroll Kilgore
Financial Secretary
Jane Rodriguez-Keeton
Director of Children and Youth
Kristin Wrather
Director of Communications
Lynn June
Nursery Director
Randolph Lockridge
Sexton
Peter Moon
Director of Audio/Video
Sarah Benderman
Office Staff, Director of Pastoral Care and Membership
Our Vestry
John Finney
Senior Warden 2022-2024
Jennifer Ballard
Junior Warden 2022-2024
Sarah Robert
Clerk 2023-2025
Dave Glowacki
2022-2024
Peggy Harmon
2022-2024
Lucia Vining
2023-2025
Wilks Halliday
2023-2025
Ken Vickers
2023-2024
Becky Clayborne
2023-2025
Larry Trotter
2023-2025
Kevin Benderman
2024-2026
Chip Wallace
2024-2026
Ryan Fowler
2024-2026
Mark Keeton
2024-2026
Madeline McWhorter
2024-2026
Our History
The current St. Peter’s building was built in 1860 and was the second Episcopal Church established in Tennessee, being formally organized on June 16, 1828, one year before the Diocese itself was formed. This is the congregation’s second church building; the first was located about 1 1⁄2 blocks east of North Garden Street and stood from 1831 to 1861.
St. Peter’s is the oldest church building in Columbia, Tennessee. Since June 1861 it has been in continuous use by this parish for worship services, except for eighteen months beginning in December 1863, when it was ordered closed and used by the troops of the Provost Marshall of the Union Army, General Negley. During this occupation about $2,000 damage was done to the church, and the organ was totally destroyed.
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