It is a mite unusual for a Methodist congregation to be named St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Why? Because not many Methodist churches include the title Saint. And fewer still of our churches are associated with Peter. If that is true, why was our congregation, once named Camp Glenn Methodist Church, renamed St. Peter’s Methodist Church back in 1962?

In recent weeks, the pastor has run into two explanations for the naming of St. Peter’s Methodist Church.

The first explanation has documentary evidence. In an August 29, 1961 letter to Rev. Jack P. Mansfield, the pastor of Camp Glenn Methodist Church, Bishop Paul N. Garber wrote: "You have honored me by asking my opinion as to the name for our new[ly] relocated church. I have thought of the names which have been suggested[,] and my preference would be that of St. Peter’s Methodist Church. There are many reasons why this would be a most fitting name[,] since it will be a constant reminder of the fact that St. Peter, one of the first disciples, was a fisherman before he became a disciple. I would prefer, however, that the final decision as to the name should be made by you and the members."

More documentary evidence, which claims St. Peter’s Methodist Church was named for Peter being a fisherman, is found in the bulletin for the "Consecration Service" of St. Peter’s Methodist Church on October 21, 1962. The day’s "Scripture" is "St. Luke 5:1-17," which proclaims events which center on the fishing vocation of Peter.

All of this goes together. St. Peter was a fisherman. He lived near water and spoke in words related to fishing and water. Likewise, Camp Glenn Methodist Church was located near water and had in its membership many who fished for a living or for recreation. Therefore, it made sense to name the congregation St. Peter’s Methodist Church.

But now an alternative explanation has come up. Mr. Art Taylor, who now lives in Havelock, mentioned to the pastor the other evening that Rev. Mansfield once told him that the name of St. Peter’s Methodist Church comes from Jesus’ challenge to Peter: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church...." (Matthew 16:18, RSV, emphasis added)

Mr. Taylor’s report suggests that Camp Glenn was renamed St. Peter’s to point to the truth that this congregation is built by Jesus Christ on the confession of St. Peter ("You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [Matthew 16:16]) and/or on the ecclesiastical authority of St. Peter. In other words, Mr. Taylor believes our local church is named after St. Peter to underline the truths that this congregation is built: (1) by Jesus Christ, (2) on Peter’s confession, and/or (3) on Peter’s place in the Church.

So, why, in 1962, was Camp Glenn Methodist Church renamed St. Peter’s Methodist Church? Probably because Peter the Apostle was often near water and fish, and because Peter the Apostle spoke for Jesus Christ and stood for Jesus Christ. We can live with both explanations for the renaming of the church. One explanation need not trump the other.