History of St. Peter's
The first Episcopal Church services west of the Agua Fria River were conducted in 1933 in the old Litchfield Elementary School building by the Reverend Fred McNeil. Services continued for approximately one year until Fr. McNeil's transfer to Ft. Defiance. The Episcopal Church was inactive in this area for 31 years until St. Peter's was organized as a mission in 1964, holding its first meeting in an apartment in Goodyear. 58 persons were present at the first service. The name of St. Peter's was given to the mission by its first Senior Warden, Herbert Hold. Shortly thereafter, the congregation secured a modular building located at Sagebrush and Neolin in Litchfield Park. In 1974, the modular building was moved to its present location, remodeled, and served a multi-purpose use as a worship center, Sunday school, Montessori Day School, and activity center. In 1981, St. Peter's was elevated from mission to full parish status. In 1982, a new building was constructed for worship and offices.
Seven resident clergy have served St. Peter's: The Reverend Robert L. Kelley (1964-1967); The Reverend Harry Walrath (1967-1969); The Reverend William I. Carter (1969-1979); The Reverend Dr. W. Jackson Wilson (1979-1989); The Reverend Robert L. Swope (1989-1992); The Reverend Lawrence R. Boyd (1993-1999) and the Reverend Gae D. Chalker (2000-present).