About St. Philip's

Welcome to St. Philip's Episcopal Church, a family dedicated to "Sharing the Love" of God, "Spreading the Gospel" of Jesus Christ, and "Growing the Kingdom" of God through the Holy Spirit. On the shoulders of the saints that founded St. Philip's in 1893, we stand as a church rooted in our Episcopal/Anglican Heritage, and centered on Christ's love for God and our neighbor. Therefore we strive to offer a worship experience that allows you to encounter God through our deeply rooted liturgy, beautiful music, and loving family.

OUR MISSION

St. Philip's is dedicated to gathering to glorify God and sharing the love of Christ with all people.

OuR Vision

We strive to grow a family of believers dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Christ and growing the Kingdom of God through faith, prayer and ministering to our church family and the community.

OUR CORE VALUES

FAITH: Faith in Jesus Christ

LOVE: Loving God with all our hearts, all our souls and all our minds, and loving our neighbor as ourselves

WORSHIP: Faithfully glorifying God through worship that is rooted in apostolic tradition and relevant to our culture

TEACHING: Relevant Biblical teaching that transforms lives

LEADERSHIP: Growing and mentoring the future leaders of the Church

OUTREACH: Reflecting Christ's love by serving others

TALENTS (Gifts): Utilizing the talents of our Church family and the community beyond to serve God and our neighbor

GROWTH: Growing the Church and the Kingdom of God

OUR HISTORY

Though not yet named, St. Philip's began on October 2, 1888, when Bishop Steptoe Johnston held the first Episcopal service in Beeville, in the Methodist Church. Inspired by the dynamic bishop, these pioneer churchmen continued to hold services in various host churches. In 1893, they became a mission in the Diocese of West Texas, chose their patron saint, and began building a church of their own.

Although construction was not to be completed until 1911, the first service in St. Philip's Church was held on May 21, 1894. In 1951, after nearly six decades as a mission, St. Philip's was granted parish status with the congregation's first priest-in-residence.

Three years later, St. Philip's Episcopal School was established by action of the church vestry, becoming the first Protestant parochial school in Bee County.

In 1993, the parish celebrated its centennial. The present congregation has 106 parishioners.

We at St. Philip's undertook an extensive remodeling of our church and parish hall in 2013. We recently celebrated our 120th anniversary in our newly renovated church, with a glorious re-dedication service held on May 21, 2014. Bishop Gary Lillibridge was present, along with many other clergy, parishioners, and friends.