St. Philip's Episcopal celebrates 75 years

The process of starting a new Episcopal Church began in early 1947. A small group of the Episcopalians decided that they wanted a new church in Palatine.

On May 23, the name Saint Philip's was designated, and plans were initiated to build at the corner of Schiller and Wood streets.

On Sept. 21, 1947, 64 parishioners attended the first confirmation and Eucharist of Saint Philip's in the Masonic Temple, with Bishop Conkling officiating.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the first church was May 29, 1948. On Sept. 12, 1948, Father Rob Roy Hardin was named the first rector at St. Philip's and performed the first service in what is now the library.

Father Sheldon B. Foot became rector on June 1, 1952. During his tenure, the current church was built. Pepper Construction completed the work in late 1957.

St. Philip's Episcopal Church is celebrating 75 years as a church and part of the Palatine community this September.