The Patronal Festival and Annual Meeting

On the Sunday following the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, Apostle, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church usually holds its annual meeting. This is also the date on which the Patronal Festival is celebrated.

January 18 is the date on which the Episcopal Church proclaims the Gospel account of the Disciple Peter’s acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” In this same Gospel, Christ names Simon as “Peter,” saying “on this rock I will build my church,” and then gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

At its founding in 1834, the Episcopal Parish in Bennington chose St. Peter as its Patron; therefore, the Parish celebrates the Patronal Festival of St. Peter on the Sunday following January 18. In the church building, there are many reminders of St. Peter. The stained glass windows at the Pleasant Street end of the nave of the church depict scenes from the life of St. Peter. Pictures, tapestries, and banners that represent St. Peter often illustrate keys as a symbol of the saint. The St. Peter’s Church Newsletter is named “The Keystone.”

On the Sunday of the Patronal Festival, St. Peter’s Parish also holds its annual business meeting to hear reports of activities and programs of the preceding year, to pass the new budget, to elect new members of the Vestry and delegates to the Diocesan Council, and to carry out any other necessary business.

After the 10:00 a.m. celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the annual meeting convenes in the Parish Hall. A lunch prepared by members of the Parish is served during the meeting. The entire parish is invited to the meeting. All Communicants in good standing are eligible to vote. The Church is accessible to people who use mobility aids.