Feature Story

WE BELIEVED: “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy WONDROUS WORKS declare.” 75 YEARS OF -- Psalm 75:1 It’s St. Philip’s School and Community Center’s WONDROUS DIAMOND anniversary! What a momentous moment for this dynamic ministry, with its humble and purposed beginning 75 years ago through the establishment of Dallas’ first WORKS Black Episcopalian parish – St. Philip’s Church. It has been a unique and astounding evolution – from a church (1940s), to a youth center (1950s), to a school (1970s), and a community development resource (1980s). We are all these things and so much more; with our founding in FAITH being the solid foundation on which St. Philip’s stands and continues to expand.

Thirty-eight years of consistent, visionary leadership through Dr. Terry J. Flowers, first as the school’s principal and now as Perot Family Headmaster, has played a pivotal role in broadening the reach and scope of this blessed institution. One, that many deem a “lighthouse of hope” in South Dallas and a true model for inner city education and community transformation.

We’ve come so far in how we educate children, ensure a healthy and thriving neighborhood, and serve residents of our community. Where FAITH is our foundation, EDUCATION and SERVICE, are the branches that have intentionally extended God’s love into the lives of thousands of families over the years. This not only includes those we serve but those who so willingly choose to serve and share with St. Philip’s

School and Community Center through their leadership, volunteerism, monetary gifts, and dedicated tenure as faculty or staff.

Strategic collaboration has been a critical component to our success. Since St. Philip’s genesis, our spirit of collaboration has been deliberately imbued with cross cultural, cross racial, cross economic, and cross demographic partnerships. As an institution and ministry, we intentionally work to build bridges through this important work. We recognize the strength of being “different, together” in realizing a collective vision to transform our community and world through FAITH, EDUCATION, and SERVICE. At 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Dallas, harmony abounds for the sake of helping, healing, and celebrating our shared humanity.

In these first seven decades, we bear witness to hundreds of school alumni who are now shaping our community and world for the better through their gifts and productive citizenship; we bear witness to the thousands of young athletes who gleaned athletic, leadership, and life skills on our courts and fields; we bear witness to the hundreds of children and youth who now live purposed, meaningful lives as a testament to the encouragement, mentoring, and support received through our Community Center programs; we bear witness to the hundreds of neighbors who are beginning to flourish due to the nutritional, medical, and social services we provide; and we bear witness to a community emerging from decades of neglect and redlining, into one that thrives due to our collaborative neighborhood development efforts.

And finally, four major capital campaigns over the last three decades have thrust St. Philip’s into various stages of expansion and growth. The most recent of which – WE BELIEVE – being the boldest, most multifaceted, and impactful, is drawing to a close! Through We Believe’s efforts to raise $50 million in critical funds to grow the endowment, Annual Fund, and expand its campus and programs, St. Philip’s is better positioned for sustainability and tremendous transformation within the walls of the school and throughout the community we choose to call home.

We look forward to the next 75 years and To God, we give ALL the Glory!

We recognize the strength of being “different, together”