Founding Years

In 1850, the visionary Right Reverend William Mercer Green, the first bishop of Mississippi, embarked on a mission to establish a church in the village of Oxford. On May 12, 1851, St. Peter’s was officially organized during a meeting at the Oxford courthouse, attended by "between twenty and thirty of the most intelligent and respectable citizens of the town and vicinity." The vestry and wardens were elected according to canon law, and the very next day, the vestry sought admission into the Diocese of Mississippi.

The Leadership of Professor Frederick Augustus Porter Barnard

Ordained in 1855, Professor Frederick Augustus Porter Barnard became the first resident priest. Under his guidance, the congregation funded the construction of the church building we still use today. Completed in 1860, the church was most likely built with the labor of individuals enslaved by our founding families. Barnard delivered the first sermon in the new nave on Easter Sunday of that year, marking a significant chapter in our journey.

Endurance Through Challenges

Having withstood the challenges of the Civil War, St. Peter’s stands as the oldest religious structure in Oxford. Its survival is a testament to the strength of our faith and the resilience of our community.

A Relationship with the University

The relationship between St. Peter's and the University of Mississippi began early on when Professor Barnard served as both the president of the university and the church's resident priest. This connection deepened during the integration of Ole Miss in 1962, with then rector Duncan M. Gray, Jr., taking a courageous stand in support of integration.

Community Engagement

St. Peter's has always been integral to the Oxford community. Church members played a pivotal role in initiatives such as Eastview Homes, an affordable housing project, and the establishment of the Scott Center, an educational center for mentally and physically challenged children, which later became part of the Oxford School District. In 1989, the church was actively involved in the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity home. The Leap Frog after-school tutoring program for at-risk children was initiated in 1989, and a Spanish-language worship service began in 1998.

Embracing Change in the 21st Century

As we entered the 21st century, St. Peter's continued to make history. In 2001, the first woman was ordained a deacon, followed two years later by the calling of the first Black priest, to serve as Chaplain to Ole Miss & Assistant Rector. In 2007, the church called its first female priest, as Associate Rector.

Delve Deeper into Our History

For those eager to explore our rich history further, copies of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Oxford, Mississippi: A History 1851-2011 by Brenda J. West are available in the church office. Additionally, discover the beautiful stories behind our stained glass windows in The Stained Glass Windows of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church by Jean Kiger.