Founded in 1861, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is the sixth oldest historically African American congregation in the Episcopal Church, as well as the first to be founded in the American South. Nestled in the historic Northside of Richmond, Virginia, the church boasts almost 150 years of rich Christian history and service to the greater Richmond community. Today, the membership of St. Philip’s Episcopal consists of approximately 230 members of predominantly African descent and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The dynamic history of this congregation began in 1861 as a mission of St. James Church. The founding members were either freemen/women or indentured servants of Virginia aristocrats and landowners. For four years, the congregation thrived, offering a multitude of services to its members, including a school. However, at the end of the Civil War in 1865, the structure was destroyed under mysterious circumstances. Despite that devastating loss, the church itself remained intact as the congregation continued to meet in the homes of various Members.

After approximately four years without a central structure, the building was rebuilt in 1869 with the assistance of the Diocese of Virginia, St. James' Church, and the Family of J. E. B. Stuart. St. Philip's became a self-supporting Parish in 1920, and has endeavored since that time to love and serve the Lord , the community, and the world, doing so in a manner consistent with the Anglo Catholic practice of the Church.

Today, St. Philip's stands as the oldest and largest of the seven predominantly African-American congregations in the Diocese of Virginia. As we approach 150 years of servanthood, we are embarking on an ambitious campaign to reinvigorate our parish by sharing, with new members, the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the beauty of the Episcopal worship service