Saint Philip’s Anglican Church

In 1890, a small seed of faith was planted in the then-village of Blue Bonnets, a seed that would blossom into Saint Philip’s Anglican Church. Saint Philip’s began as a mission of St. Stephen’s Parish in Lachine. This mission soon took root and grew, becoming its own parish in 1897 with the construction of its first church building south of the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. The burgeoning community quickly outgrew this first structure, necessitating a second church nearby in 1917. Yet, even this building couldn’t contain the flourishing congregation. By the late 1920s, it was evident that a larger space was required. Parishioners generously donated parcels of land, and in 1929, the third and current Saint Philip’s Anglican Church was erected. This Gothic-style edifice, positioned north of the railway tracks, straddles the boundary between Montreal West and the City of Montreal, a testament to its role in uniting the communities. The heart of Saint Philip’s beats not only within its sanctuary walls but also extends to the surrounding green space. This churchyard, the largest privately owned open space in Montreal West and western NDG, has become a haven for the community, a place of gardens, trees, and flowers. In 1950, Memorial Hall was added to Saint Philip’s, further solidifying its place as a community hub. This hall, dedicated to those lost in World War II, serves as a gathering space for a variety of events, from concerts and bazaars to public meetings. The church is more than just a place of worship. It represents a connection to the past, present, and future, symbolized by the stones within the high altar. These stones, collected by Canon Ireland from significant locations related to Christ’s life and the growth of the church, including Mount Calvary, Gethsemane, and the River Jordan, are embedded within the altar itself. This unique feature underscores the deep roots of faith that nourish Saint Philip’s. From its humble beginnings as a mission to the present day, Saint Philip’s Anglican Church continues to serve as a beacon of faith and community.