St. Philip's had its origin during the early 1950's as a daughter church of the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church here in Oak Bay. In 1953 three city lots were purchased on the North West corner of Eastdowne Road and Neil Street. Plans were drafted for the construction, on this site, of a building to be known as the Carnarvon Church Hall and on January 19, 1955 the Church was dedicated.

In 1960 St. Philip's became a self-supporting parish and as such, has continued to grow. The Church building was consecrated on St. Philip's Day, May 1st, 1976.

Who was the Philip after whom our church is named?

Philip, our namesake, was one of the twelve apostles, the closest followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry.

As a disciple, Philip gave up everything he had to go with Jesus. For those of us who worship in the church named after him, we are reminded of this same call.

What does it mean for us to hear the call of Jesus and follow? What difference does it make to our lives? What things may we have to leave behind to be a faithful follower of Jesus as our Master?

One of the first things Philip did upon heeding the call of Jesus was to share that call with others - "Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph ... come and see' " (John 1:45,46). Philip reminds us that our call is not just to be followers, but also to be sharers.

Philip was a practical man. When asked by Jesus, "Where shall we buy bread for these people," Philip replied, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite !" (John 6:5,7). His practicality was at this point however, the enemy of his faith. So, Philip challenges us to ask ourselves if there are times in our lives when the things of this world hinder our trust and confidence in God's willingness and ability to provide for our needs.

Nothing certain is known of Philip after the resurrection of Christ. It is thought that he preached the gospel in Phrygia and died at Hieropolis in Syria.

Having the name Philip challenges us to fulfil God's role for us as people of faith. It is a constant reminder of our destiny as those who are to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. May we meet this destiny with joy.

Christopher Page

Clergy Serving St. Philip's Anglican Church
John Snowden	Rector	1955 - 1957
Richard Mugford	Rector	1957 - 1960
Rusty Wilkes	Rector	1960 - 1967
Jim Davenport		1965 - 1968
John Vickers	Rector	1967 - 1974
Cyril Venables	Occasional Assistant	1971 - 1974
Will Dobson		1971 - 1974
Neil Robinson	Rector	1974 - 1993
Ken Collinson		1976 - 1977
Charles Wolff	Honorary Assistant	1977 - 1994
Bill George	Assistant Priest	1981 - 1983
Barry Wyckham		1984 - 1985
Robert Warren	Curate	1985 - 1987
Christopher Page	Associate Rector	1987 - 1993
Christopher Page	Rector	1993 - present
Kevin McKee	Honorary Assistant	1997 - 2006
Rodney May	Honorary Assistant	2000 - 2002
Harry Eerkes	Honorary Assistant	2005 - present

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