S t. P h i l i p ' s C h u r c h
in the H i g h l a n d s

St. Philip's Church is a welcoming community of faith. For more than 225 years, St. Philip's has served as a center of caring, outreach, and worship for Philipstown and beyond. We are grounded in the tradition of the Episcopal church, yet open and accepting of people of varied backgrounds and lifestyles.

Many genealogists visit the church cemetery to find ancestral stones. You can search the inscriptions by surname by clicking this link (a new window will open). We're grateful to Steve Basch for sharing his many photos of stones in the churchyard.

When entering St. Philip's vestibule, you will see on the left, a stained glass window of George Washington. You may ask yourself, "Why would George Washington, a member of the Tory Church of England, have the honor of having such a window." The answer is very simple. Ask George Washington

As one walks around the churchyard on the north side in the Hamilton Fish area, you will see a monument and statue of praying angels. The statue was obtained by Hamilton Fish as it was rejected by original purchaser due to the fact that the angels were supposed to be praying and not with outstretched arms. See a Heritage of Giving and Hamilton Fish area.

EARLY YEARS:

The historical destiny of the region surrounding St. Philip's Parish in Garrison was set forth over 300 years ago when in 1697, William III granted what is now the entire area of Putnam County to Adolph Philipse of England. In 1748 Beverly Robinson, a gentleman from a politically and historically prominent family in Virginia was attached to a fine match with a niece of Adolph Philipse and married Susannah Philipse. In the late 1760's their interest turned north to the Philipse family property (called the "Philipse Upper Patent") and they built a home in Garrison. The resident population at that time was recorded at 146 tenant families. In 1770 (the year Stephen Nelson was born), a charter from King George III formally recognized the first church in the area, St. Peter's Church in Peekskill. The wooden church still stands today. For further history, click on link  St Philip's History