St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, set in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona,
offers many diverse gifts to the people of Tucson and the surrounding community.
Like other Episcopal churches, our beliefs are based on the founding principles of the
Church of England. We celebrate freedom of thought, diversity of opinions, and personal
involvement in worship. We believe that we do not have to be of one mind as long as we are of one heart.
St. Philip's was founded in 1936 by the Reverend George Ferguson. He wanted to establish a small
church set in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The original building was designed
by the renowned architect Josiah Thomas Jostler. The small chapel served the congregation for
almost 20 years, and the parish thrived and grew under his vision and leadership.
The facility expanded as well, consistent with Ferguson's dream. He wished St. Philip's to be
a church where the Lord would be worshiped in the holiness of beauty, and so it is today.
I was asked one time whether George Ferguson would be happy to see the growth. In my opinion,
reflecting on my recollection of him, I think he would be pleased to see what's happened
in these many years now since he's gone. Worship takes many forms at St. Philip's Church,
the main sanctuary hosts the more traditional services with full choir and organ accompaniment.
For those who prefer a more contemporary and intimate setting,
there are services that emphasize fellowship and informality. St. Philip's also offers
worship conducted in Spanish. It is but one example of how our church continues to serve
the many needs of the community. While the religious services are vital to the life of
St. Philip's, the church is much more than a place for worship. La Casita is the home of the
counseling center. St. Philip's provides many educational opportunities for both adults and
children. Several adult education classes, both religious and secular, are offered weekdays
as well as Sundays. Of special interest is the Theologian in Residence program.
Clergy from throughout the country are asked to teach classes, lead workshops, and assist in worship.
Outstanding scholars and leaders in the Tucson community are also invited to St. Philip's
to conduct forums on a wide variety of topics. In youth forums, high school students can learn
and discuss important issues in their lives today. Learning opportunities for children reach
all ages, including preschoolers. The focus is on the kids themselves and the issues or concerns
that are important in their lives. Experiential learning is the basis of our summer vacation
Bible school. In addition to education, child care is also available on Sunday mornings
and for many parish events. What they do here at St. Philip's is they call the children up to the
altar and give a little sermon to the children. And I think that that's what struck me personally
as a mother. We've always wanted an environment where we felt real comfortable and that it would
be enriching for the children and also for us. St. Philip's has a strong commitment to the people
of Tucson. Through the Pima County Interfaith Council, we lead the movement to improve education,
health services, and economic opportunities for all of the people in our community.
In our efforts to help the homeless, we support the Primavera shelter. Each month,
hundreds of meals are prepared by church volunteers to feed the needy at Casa Maria.
Over the years, St. Philip's has developed a close relationship with the Pascua Yaqui Indians.
One project that benefits the Yaqui children of Richie Elementary School
is our Christmas gift bag drive. People are waiting for the end of November when they can come and
pick up the name of a child with its sizes marked on a Christmas bag. They take it home
and anxiously go shopping and hope they find the right sizes and the right things for their
very special child. About 220 of them. Yes, that's exactly what it is. So it's 220. And it's wonderful.
Another way that St. Philip's supports the community is by inviting outside groups to use
our facilities. A local community college uses the church as an auxiliary campus.
Support groups and enrichment classes, such as Tai Chi, also meet at St. Philip's.
Techaria, our Center for Spirituality, offers conferences, workshops, and retreats. Its purpose
is to help people mature in their spiritual journey. A bit closer to home is community age
concern. This weekly luncheon and program is one of several popular events which draw
many people to the church. Coming together and meeting friends is an important part of our life
at St. Philip's Church. A hot breakfast is served each Sunday morning. The coffee hour provides
another opportunity to relax and talk with others. It is also an excellent time to ask
questions of other members and learn more about the church. Recreational activities such as golf
and tennis gather elsewhere, while bridge groups meet regularly for a friendly game of cards.
The fellowship and learning opportunities of a small group enhance the spiritual lives of its
members, and the leaders benefit too by receiving special training and monthly support to help
their ministry. In a parish as large as St. Philip's, where an individual can easily get lost in the
crowd, the small groups are a place where they can have a real sense of belonging.
The church has a number of opportunities for people to volunteer their talents. St. Philip's
fixers provide vital repair services for the church each week. The Garden Guild maintains our
award-winning gardens, and volunteers are always welcome in the church office.
Parishioners may also volunteer to make hospital calls. Whatever time or talent you are able
to share will be greatly appreciated. Throughout the year, there are memorable times and events that
make our church a very special place. Many couples, whether members of the church or not, choose to
celebrate their wedding day at our beautiful church. Baptisms are a time for celebrating too,
as new Christians are welcomed into God's family. Holidays, such as the Fourth of July,
inspire unique celebrations of their own. The Halloween service brings many little spirits to
the church. I like the blessing of the animals because I was able to bring my dog and I wanted
him blessed so he can get an everlasting life. At the blessing of the animals, people bring their
cats and turtles of all kinds, among other animals, to personally receive God's love.
Welcome Back Sunday amidst the food and music is a chance to learn more about the church
and its numerous activities. Other events are held to encourage parishioners to make new friends
and become better acquainted with the clergy. When it comes to celebrating, St. Philip's usually
does so with music. Our music program has a long and impressive history from the earliest days of
the parish. The excellence of our adult choir is recognized nationally. Another aspect that's
kept us here and kept us enjoying it as much as we do is the music program. Both the choir
director and his staff are extremely talented and there's always an exciting production
somewhere to be found. Children have the opportunity to sing as well. Choir membership
can begin as early as the first grade. Both children and adults are invited to join the
handbell ringers. They are featured at many church services. Once a month, a service takes on a
special flavor with the participation of local professional musicians. The church's Holtkamp
pipe organ, installed in 1986 as part of our 50th anniversary celebration, is one of the
finest instruments in the state of Arizona. The gallery displays the works of local artists,
some of them parishioners. Artists and performers are drawn to the special beauty of St. Philip's.
They in turn bring their own beauty through the sounds that they share. St. Philip's is a place
where the love of music is expressed with a variety of sounds. St. Philip's is not just a one-day
service. It's every single day there's something going on at St. Philip's and we really enjoy that.
St. Philip's in the hills at River and Campbell in the Santa Catalina Foothills
is a place of many opportunities for enrichment and growth. In all aspects of the church's life,
worship, education, outreach, and the fine arts, St. Philip's meets the diverse needs of its
parishioners and the community in which we live. We invite you to join our dynamic parish family
and enjoy the magnificent gifts that God has given to each of us at St. Philip's in the hills.
St. Philip's in the hills at River and Campbell in the Santa Catalina Foothills
