From the Headmaster

A Word From the Headmaster

70 years of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Under God. Indivisible.

Seventy years ago, a small group of Black Episcopalians stepped out under God’s faithfulness. They petitioned the mostly White Episcopalians here in Dallas with their desire to establish a church here in South Dallas. In many ways, this petition was an examination of the soul of the church. During that era of bigotry and racism, courage went on a crusade. Together, Blacks and Whites launched a ministry under God’s divine design – a ministry that would grow into what we know today as St. Philip’s School and Community Center. St. Philip’s has been a true demonstration that great success is a reflection of commitment and collaboration.

In 1954, nearly a decade after St. Philip’s Church was formed, our country also took a bold step that would greatly impact American children for generations. The Pledge of Allegiance that all school children had been reciting since 1892, was changed for the third and final time. The pledge changed through the addition of two words – “Under God.” This modification encountered

controversy, but it soon emerged as an accepted practice for daily recitation in schools.

Fast forward to today where the concept of “Under God” is being attacked on many levels, especially in schools. St. Philip’s is blessed to boldly be A SCHOOL, still UNDER GOD. This veil is also present in the operations of our Community Center. Hearing our students proclaim “It’s okay to pray AND make an A” and watching our athletic teams gather in a circle for prayer before their games, affirms God’s reign over the St. Philip’s ministry. A mighty work is unfolding here at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Dallas! I find the

most impressive factor of St. Philip’s to be the legion of believers who are also “Under God” and choose to compassionately serve and support this ministry. They are volunteers, trustees, faculty, staff, and sacrificial parents. They are donors and ambassadors. They are senior citizens and youth. They are all of the people who have made it possible for St. Philip’s to bless lives for over seventy years with full embrace of God’s power and presence. As you peruse this anniversary edition of our 1600 Magazine, give all praise to what is happening through you“Under God!”

Blessings,

Dr. Terry J. Flowers