Website for Saint Philip's Episcopal Church

Welcome to St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, Delaware

Photo of St. Laurel's, a handsome brick structure with a tall steeple

The hope of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is to create a Christian atmosphere where everyone can worship Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, accepting all persons as they are, supporting them in hard times and sharing the joy and thanksgiving of good times; nurture growth of our faith through worship, study, and serving, whereby each of us recognizes and accepts their God given gifts and talents, then, uses them to minister within St. Philip’s, our community, and the world.

Sunday Schedule:

Worship Service 8:30 a.m. (Holy Eucharist I)
Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m. (Holy Eucharist II)
Please join us after the 10:30 a.m. service for coffee in the Parish House so we can meet you and introduce ourselves. (Ask anyone for directions.)

Parking: is behind the church on Carvel Ave.

Photo: Rev. Howard BackusRector:
The Rev. Dr. Howard Backus began serving as Rector September 1, 2008. Howard is retired and from North Carolina. Call him at 302 604-3441.

Address
600 S. Central Avenue, Laurel, DE 19956

Office Phone: 302 875-3644
Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FAX: 302 875-3412

If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please contact us.

St. Philip’s Annual Events

Directions: South Delmarva Peninsula in Laurel, Sussex County, Delaware. From Route 13 turn west on Route 24 to the stop light at the intersection of Route 24 and Route 13A (Central Ave.). Turn left (South) on Central Avenue. St. Philip’s is the red brick Church on the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Central Avenue. The entrance to the parking lot is on Carvel Avenue (next corner to the right).

photo of Old Christ Church, a large wooden building amid trees

Old Christ Church (Broad Creek Hundred, Delaware)

We worship in this historic structure every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. from June through September. The building, which dates to 1771, is one of only about a dozen churches on the Atlantic coast that predate the revolution that have never been painted, plumbed, heated or electrified. One steps into another dimension of time when one crosses the threshold of OCC. Come and experience the Holy Spirit!

Directions: The church at the corner of Chipman Pond Road and Christ Church Road. From US Rte. 13, turn east on Rte. 24. Just past the American Legion building (on the right) is Christ Church Road (on the left). Turn left onto Christ Church Road and the church is at the end of the road directly in front of you. Park on the grass or on the side of the road.

A Service of Candlelight Christmas Carols and Prayer is held in December, usually the first Sunday. (Bring a blanket; the building's unheated.) Other special concerts are held throughout the year.

A service is held on Pentecost each year when all four daughter churches gather for a combined service. On the first Sunday of October, a joyous and special Blessing of the Animals service is held at 10:00 a.m.

For information on being married at OCC call Janice Kee 302-430-4310.

Old Christ Church League

Old Christ Church League is a non-profit organization founded to support the preservation of Old Christ Church. Members give tours after each service when requested. The church is funded almost entirely by donations and the League maintains and operates the building while the owner, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, provides Sunday services every summer. The League holds two meetings a year, one in the summer when OCC is in operation, and an annual meeting in January when officers are elected and committee reports are given. Call 302 875-3644 for meeting times and places. All are welcome to come and learn more about the organization and the preservation efforts of the group.
New members are always welcome.

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