St. Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church is one of the oldest Black congregations organized in the Diocese of Washington, D.C. In October 1887, a small group of Black Episcopalians banded together to form a Christian community. Members of this group began to worship on Sundays at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith on Howard Road in Southeast, D.C. Sunday school was held in the morning for the children and the noon service was for the elders. The Rev. Davenport, Rector of Emmanuel Church, officiated at these services. As the membership grew, a larger facility was needed. In 1888, the members rented a room at Douglass Hall, located on the corner of Nicolas Avenue and Howard Road in Southeast, D.C. It was here that the group was established as a mission of Emmanuel Church and was named Emmanuel Mission. Later, in 1889, the Pioneer Institute building was purchased by the members of the congregation. Each member paid $14.25 a month toward this purchase. Through their faith, dedication and hard work, this frame structure underwent numerous changes. These changes included raising the roof, the construction of a sanctuary and altar, the installation of stained glass windows, and the conversion of the basement into a parish hall. Soon, the barn-like structure began to resemble a place of worship. In the late 1890’s, this mission became a chapel under the Diocese of Washington. The name Emmanuel Mission was changed to The Chapel of St. Philip the Evangelist. Services were held continuously at the chapel until 1937. In 1937, an anonymous benefactor presented the Diocese of Washington with a monetary gift and land to erect a new chapel and parish hall, under the leadership of The Rev. Millard F. Newman. The location of the new chapel was 2431 Shannon Place in Southeast, D.C. The furnishings of this chapel and parish hall were given generously by its members. The donor of this great gift remained anonymous to the congregation until Sunday, December 20, 1942 when the Diocese presented a memorial plaque at a dedication and memorial service in the memory of Mrs. Minnie B. Smoot. Mrs. Smoot was a pioneer business woman and a devoted worker in the chapel for many years. In 1948, the property next door to the chapel was purchased for a vicarage. For 40 years, its members worshipped at the chapel. Outreach ministries were begun and the quest for parish status was pursued. In the 1970’s, the congregation outgrew the small chapel and a larger structure was sought to accommodate them and to further the development of their outreach ministries.
Mrs. Minnie B. Smoot
In June 1977, the Diocese of Washington purchased the old Anacostia Methodist Church building on 2001 14th Street in Southeast, D.C. The congregation of St. Philip the Evangelist, under the leadership of The Rev. Jesse Anderson, Jr., marched jubilantly from Shannon Place to the new and present location. location. The congregation was eager to utilize the larger space and to continue its mission of serving the Anacostia community. It soon became apparent that the building, which was constructed in 1899, was in dire need of repair. Minor repairs were made over the years; however, in 2000 the church underwent an extensive renovation. The congregation had persevered by their faith, prayer, hard work and dedication. A new and vibrant church now stands. The rebirth of the church spiritually energized the congregation. On January 26, 2002 the Chapel of St. Philip became a parish, under the leadership of The Rev. Dr. William B. Lewis, who was called as the first Rector of the church having previously served as Vicar since 1996.
Food Pantry Ministry – This ministry offers emergency food supplies donated by parishioners and friends of St. Philip’s to the neediest families in the community .
– St. Philip’s hosts and supports a fully operational child development center Child Development Center – St.
serving approximately 70 pre-school children from low-i ncome families. Park Revitalization Project – St. Philip’s led community efforts to rehabilitate and reopen Old Market House Square Park located across the street from the church. The project was a joint effort with TKF Foundation, Councilman Marion Barry, the D.C. Department of Transportation, Lee and Associates, Ward 8 residents and St. Philip’s members . Joshua Project Ministry – Over the years, this group has offered outreach ministries to children and teens to encourage and inspire their spiritual, academic and civic development. The group also hosts the “Anacostia Fellowship Café” events designed to provide teens and young adults an opportunity to showcase their gifts and talents in a spiritually nurturing e nvironment. Bible Study and Prayer – Opportunities for Bible study and prayer are offered to parishioners and members of the community on Wednesday nights, Fridays at noontime, and on Sunday mornings. Healing services are offered for parishioners and community every fourth Sunday. Resources for Inner City Children (RICH) – St. Philip’s is in the planning stages of hosting an evening tutoring program designed to assist middle school and high school students in all curriculum areas to ensure academic success, Monday through Thursday during the academic year. The program will also offer parents in the community tutoring assistance to get their GED’s and advance their education . – St. Philip’s is in discussion with this group to partner wit h the Joshua Project and Concerned Black Men – St. the Combined Military Retirees Association to launch a Saturday academic and mentoring academy to inspire young men to avoid drugs and crime in t heir lives, and to become successful successful citizens through civic and spiritual nurturing.
St. Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church was conceived by faith, nurtured by love and strengthened by hope. The church has come so far by faith; beginning as a small mission, growing into a chapel and finally becoming a parish. But its journey does not end here. It is only the beginning. As St. Philip’s celebrate its 125 th anniversary, anniversary, may its faith continue to grow and serve the community of Anacostia for years to come.
Alveria Howard-Ford, Chairman/Secretary
St. Philip’s offers a variety of ministries and services to its congregation and surrounding community in its efforts to love and serve all people in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church’s objective is to be an instrument through which God offers love, help, forgiveness and healing to those in need. Key ministries and services that St. Philip’s provides to the community include the following:
Rev. Dr. William B. Lewis, Advisor
Andrea Cryer-Taylor, Treasurer
Diann Barbee, Co-Chairman
Minto Clarke, Co-Chairman
Susan Adams
Marguerite Allen
James Ballard
Joyce Crocheron
Theresa Harris
Barbara Harrison
Tayloria Jackson
Joyce Kelly
Pamela Taylor
Elaine Thompson
We greatly thank you for celebrating with us our 125th Anniversary Banquet Dinner Dance on this day Friday, October, 19, 2012 at the National District Washington Catering and Conference Center AKA: Navy Yard. Parishioners, families and friends we could not have had a successful event without you.Therefore, “L ooking Back with with Thanks T hanksgiving, Looking F orward with Hope H ope” we appreciate you for all that you do through thought, word, and deed. Sincerely, Reverend Dr. William B. Lewis & 125th Anniversary Committee
Greetings..............................................................................................Mrs. Andrea Cryer-Taylor, Treasurer Opening Prayer..............................................................................................The Rev. Dr. William B. Lewis
Garden Salad
Introduction of MC........................................................................................Mrs. Alveria Ford, Chairperson Master of Ceremony......................................Mr. Byron Browder, National Chair of Concerned Black Men
Red Snapper with Fresh Dill Sauce
The Occasion.................................................................................Mrs. Pamela Taylor, Committee Member
Cornish Game Hen Roasted with Fresh Herbs and Rice Stuffing Introductions.....................................................................................Mr. James Ballard, Committee Member
First Family th 125 Anniversary Committee Members Vestry Members Members Descendants of Minnie B. Smoot
Roasted Potatoes
Garden Fresh Vegetables
Grace Before Meal..........................................................................................Mr. Donald Cryer, Sr. Warden Dinner Served...................................................................Jazz/Listening Music by Joe Webb Entertainment Reflections:
Hot Coffee & Tea
Slide Presentation.................................................................................Derek Watts of TruConcepts
Donor Recognition.....................Mrs. Minto Clarke, Co-Chair & Mrs. Theresa Harris, Committee Member
Rolls & Butter
Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon Christ Church Georgetown St. Alban’s Church St. Columba’s Church St. Dunstan’s Church St. Patrick’s Church Combined Military Retirees Association Men of Our Time, Inc.
Mix, Mingle and Dance............................................................................................Joe Webb Entertainment
Iced Tea
Cash Bar
Platinum $100-$500
Mr. John B. Taylor Taylor
Mr. Kirk & Mrs. Susan Adams Adams
Mrs. Elaine Thompson Thompson
Rev. Jessie Anderson Anderson
Mrs. Thomasina Washington
Ms. Karen B. Brown Brown
Mr. Harold & Mrs. Mrs. Ruby Watts
Mr. Harold & Mrs. Mrs. Minto Clarke
Mr. Stefan Williams Williams
Mrs. Joyce Crocheron Crocheron
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
Mr. Ronald Crocheron Crocheron Ms. Lema Crooks Crooks Mr. Otis & Mrs. Gloria Ducker Ducker
Silver $50.00
Mr. and Mrs. Elix Gerber Gerber Mr. & Mrs. Donald Harrison, Harrison, Sr.
Mr. Theodore Theodore & Mrs. Alveria Ford
Mr. William & Mrs. Marilyn Underdue Underdue
Ms. Jackie Garrett Garrett
Fringes Hair Salon Salon
Ms. Marcella La Gonterie Gonterie Ms. Maryann G. Gosnell
Bronze $25.00
Mrs. Barbara Bess Bess
Mr. David & Mrs. Mrs. Theresa Harris
Rev. Virginia Brown-Nolan Brown-Nolan
Mr. David Harris, Harris, Jr.
Ms. Majorie Davenport Davenport
Mr. Erik C. Harris
Mr. Ronald & Mrs. Lois Lucas
Mr. Donald & Mrs. Barbara Harrison Harrison
Mr. Michael & Barbara Barbara Smith
Mrs. Jill Battle-Howell
Mr. Nathaniel & Mrs. Mrs. Barbara Tolson
Ms. Linda M. Jackson Jackson
Ms. Michole Washington Washington
Mr. Stanley & Mrs. Mrs. Tayloria Jackson
BK Charter, Inc.
Mr. Michael Kidd Kidd Dr. Gladius Lewis Rev. William & Tabitha Tabitha Lewis Ms. Felecia Mora Mora Ms. Ivy Meadows Meadows
VISION STATEMENT
St. Philip the Evangelist Parish will be an inclusive church where people of diverse backgrounds will advance the kingdom of God, nurture their spiritual life, extend assistance and care to the people of the Anacostia community and beyond. MISSION STATEMENT
We, the congregation of St. Philip the Evangelist Parish, confess a firm belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. We will strive to grow in knowledge and love of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be reconciled to Christ and to each other. In understanding the call of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations, we affirm that our mission is: 1. To seek and serve Jesus Christ in word and deed; 2. To go into the community and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ; 3. To be an instrument through which God heals; and 4. To use our resources to respond to the spiritual, social, and physical needs of our community.