Tragedy at St. Peter's

On May 3, 2012 the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland was saddened beyond words by the shootings at St. Peter's Church in Ellicott City, Maryland. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, bishop of Maryland, immediately offered prayers for the victims in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore, when he learned the news later that evening. Clergy of the diocesan staff were present with the parish and members of the St. Peter's staff, and said prayers over the victims. The diocese held the victims, their families, and the people and staff of St. Peter's Church and pre-school in its continued prayers. A nearby Episcopal church, St. John's Parish in Ellicott City, opened their doors late Thursday evening to offer a place of support and prayer.

According to Howard County police, two women, Brenda Brewington, administrative assistant, and the Rev. Mary-Marguerite Kohn, co-rector of the parish were found shot inside the church office. Ms. Brewington was pronounced dead at the scene. Rev. Kohn was transported to Shock Trauma in critical condition but later died from her wounds.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church held a private service of Holy Eucharist Sunday, May 6 at the church, continuing over 160 years of worship at this parish. Formed in the 1842, St Peter's offered support to mill workers and laborers in early Ellicott Mills, continuing this service until a fire in 1939 completely destroyed the church. St. Peter's was re-built, using many of the burned bricks from the former site, as well as labor from the then-rector Fr. Julius Velasco, and re-opened in 1940.

"St. Peter's has a long history of caring for the poor and needy in Howard County, a tradition formed at the very birth of this church in 1842, and a ministry that was lovingly continued by the Rev. Mary-Marguerite Kohn and Brenda Brewington until the tragic events of May 3" said Craig Stuart-Paul, warden, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Ellicott City.

For those wishing to give donation in honor and memory of these two dedicated women, they may be sent to;

Donations received will be distributed to various charities that Brenda and Mary-Marguerite supported and believed in.

You may use the links below to read of the remarkable life of Rev. Mary-Marguerite Kohn and Ms. Brenda Brewington.

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	Rev. Dr. Mary-Marguerite Kohn		Brenda Brewington