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These two shields tell one connected story: St. Peter’s has its own parish identity, rooted in the life and witness of our patron saint, while remaining unmistakably part of The Episcopal Church.

The St. Peter’s Shield

Parish NameThe banner identifies our congregation and the community whose story this shield carries.
The KeysThe crossed keys recall Jesus’ words to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
Shared ColorsRich blue, white, burgundy-red, and gold visually connect our parish identity with the wider Episcopal Church.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church shield
Four Cross CrossletsThey echo the Episcopal shield and recall that St. Peter’s, organized May 2, 1848, was the fourth Episcopal congregation established in Texas.
The Inverted CrossThe Cross of St. Peter signifies humility, faithful witness, and Peter’s willingness to follow Christ at great cost.
One Parish StoryThe symbols gather our history, mission, and Episcopal heritage into one distinctive shield.

The Inverted Cross: Peter’s Humility and Faith

The upside-down cross on our shield is known as the Cross of St. Peter. It recalls the Christian tradition surrounding the apostle’s martyrdom and his deep humility before Jesus.

According to tradition, when Roman authorities condemned Peter to crucifixion, he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. He therefore asked to be crucified upside down, with his head toward the ground. His request was granted, and the inverted cross became a lasting symbol associated with him.

For our parish, which bears his name, this cross represents humility, courage, and faithful devotion to Christ—even in the face of death. It reminds us that following Jesus means serving others with love and placing our trust in God.

The Shield of The Episcopal Church

Nine Cross CrossletsThey represent the nine dioceses that organized the American Episcopal Church in 1789.
St. Andrew’s CrossTheir diagonal arrangement honors the Scottish Episcopal Church, whose bishops consecrated Samuel Seabury.
Blue FieldThe blue canton helps express the Church’s American identity and holds the crosslets in their Scottish arrangement.
Shield of The Episcopal Church
St. George’s CrossThe red cross on white recalls our Anglican roots in the Church of England.
Red, White, and BlueThe national Church’s colors also recall its formation in the newly independent United States.
Episcopal HeritageEnglish roots, Scottish support, and American organization are joined in one historic emblem.

United in Episcopal Identity

The shields are not identical, but they belong together. Their shared blue, white, and burgundy-red, strengthened by St. Peter’s gold accents, create a visual family resemblance. The Episcopal shield places us within a worldwide Anglican tradition; the St. Peter’s shield tells how that tradition has taken root in Brenham since 1848.

Rooted in faith. Growing in love. Serving Brenham.