1957 - 2022
65 Years of Service to the Community
history of st. philip's
In September 1957, Reverend James Lamberth was appointed by Bishop A. Frank Smith to organize a new church in the general area of Meyerland, Maplewood and Braeburn Terrace. A vacant tract of land consisting of 6.5 acres and with no street names to identify the location, (later known as corner of Beechnut and Renwick) valued at a cost of $39,271.62 including paving and sewers, was chosen.
The first name chosen for the church was St. James in honor of the first minister, but soon it was discovered that an inactive and in-debt church already had that name. The name of St. Philip’s was unique to the Texas Conference. Shafts of Wheat became the symbol of St. Philip’s and the spelling with only one “L” in Philip’s was emphasized.
The first service was held on October 27, 1957 in the auditorium rented from Condit Elementary School on South Rice, in Bellaire.
Early 1960's
Ground was broken for the original sanctuary on March 30, 1960 and the first service in the building was August 14, 1960. The formal opening service was held September 11, 1960, with District Superintendent Homer Fort preaching and Rev. Darwin Andrus, Secretary of the Methodist Board of Missions in attendance.
The first new members to join in the new building were Eldon and Arvalee Saul, daughters Elaine and Carolyn. The first organ was purchased in 1960. St. Philip’s Day School opened September 6th, 1961 headed by Mrs. Lorene Miles Washburn.
Late 1960's
On March 20, 1965 a Quarterly Conference was called to elect a building committee for construction of a new sanctuary. The building was completed in the Fall of 1967. Members selected were: Mitchell Cantrell, Chairman, Robert Lee Ellis, Allen Grant, Rev. Leon Matthis, Mrs. Louie (Vivian) Oliver and Vic Russek.
A Consecration Service for the new sanctuary, was held on November 26, 1967 with Bishop Paul E. Martin, Rev. Leo Allen, District Superintendent, Rev. Wally Shook and Rev. Leon Matthis. A cornerstone with a time capsule holding items submitted by members is located to the right of the sanctuary entrance.