The parish register documents that the "cornerstone was laid by the rector of the parish, the Rev. L.L. Williams, on Easter Tuesday afternoon 4th May, 1893."

St. Philip's is a lovely frame church in the Carpenter Gothic style, which has been relocated across the street from Christ Church and reconsecrated as St. Philip's Chapel. The church was built by John James, an African American contractor and his helper. Mr. James later joined the church. The bell was given by Rev. Williams and the vestry of St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, Georgia. In August 1893 it was placed in the belfry made for it. The first service was held August 1, 1893, although the church was not quite finished. The church was consecrated April 24, 1898 by The Rt. Rev. Alfred Augustin Watson, Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina. The Rev. S.N. Griffith of St. John the Evangelist of Edenton was the last priest-in-charge and relinquished his charge of the parish in 1951. Lay services were discontinued in 1952. In 1966 the church was deconsecrated and used as a soup kitchen and a food bank. Albemarle Mannna, the predecessor of Food Bank of the Albemarle, bought the church building for offices and a soup kitchen.

The church is important not only because of its historic African American origin, but also because of its elegant but simplistic architectural style, which was popular for small churches of that time. The building is a classic example of the frame Carpenter Gothic church. Its exterior board-and-batten construction follows a distinctive type of building that was popular for small congregations during the late nineteenth century. Of particular interest is the manner in which the battens are joined under the eaves to form a continuous band of miniature Gothic arches that echo the gable ornaments at the entrance, belfry, and main gables, the double-leaf door, the vibrant colored glass in the central rose window and the Queen Anne arched windows. The interior is an eloquent example of the simple beauty of the Gothic Revival style. The ceiling, supported by scissor trusses, is covered with diagonally laid beaded tongueand-goove boards. The walls are stuccoed and scored to simulate ashlar stone walls, presenting a surprisingly sturdy appearance for so diminutive a building. The chancel area is elegantly yet simply finished, having simple moldings, a tall wainscot, and a molded altar rail.

During the seventy-three years of the church's life, many clergy and lay people gave unstintingly of their time and effort to St. Philip's. Students from the local State Teachers College, now Elizabeth City State University, were often choir members. Records indicate that the last service held at St. Philip's was on August 31, 1966, shortly before the last rector, The Rev. Lloyd Alexander, died. With the small number of active parishioners and diocesan sentiment that Christ Church should serve all Episcopalians in the area, St. Philip's was deconsecrated that same year. In the 1960s members of Christ Church and St. Philip's were united under one roof.

When the Food Bank moved to a different location, through the efforts of two members of Christ Church, the St. Philip's building was purchased and moved on May 6, 2001 to its present location across the street from Christ Church. From donations by many parishioners and others, renovations have occurred to preserve St. Philip's and to fully restore the structure to its original state. A new addition was also added to provide a kitchen, bathroom and a gathering space.

On Sunday, May 11, 2003, St. Philip's was reconsecrated as a chapel by The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel III. St. Philip's has been envisioned as a place for supporting many outreach needs. In its central downtown location the revitalized church is an appropriate facility for youth and senior citizens' activities. It is also used as a gathering place for community organizations, a chapel for Christ Church, small weddings, informal meetings, educational programs and services.

Elizabeth City is the commercial, professional and educational center of the historic Albemarle region. It is a thriving community serving a market of 100,000 people in Northeastern North Carolina. The city is generously endowed by nature. It is situated on the Pasquotank River and is the county seat of Pasquotank County, which was named for a tribe of Indians who formerly occupied the area. Historic "firsts" include an open rebellion against the King of England in 1677 (100 years before the Boston Tea Party), the first public school and the first General Assembly of the Carolinas. In 1822, the Dismal Swamp Canal was completed, and Elizabeth City became a shipping center on the Intra-coastal Waterway. The United States Coast Guard Complex located outside of Elizabeth City is the largest in the world. Missions by the airplanes and helicopters from the Air Station, the Aviation Logistics Center (formerly known as the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center) and the Atlantic Strike Team Command provide the city with an international exposure.

Elizabeth City is home to Elizabeth City State University, a four-year liberal arts state university, College of the Albemarle, a two-year community college, and Mid-Atlantic Christian University (formerly Roanoke Bible College), a four-year religious-oriented institution. The Arts include a community theater group, concert series, art shows, craft fairs, college drama and musical presentations, all of which provide a full range of cultural opportunities. The city has a large park system and a community center. Boaters know The Great Loop, a route that connects with North America's Eastern waterways. The City has free 48-hour dockage at Mariner's Wharf on the Pasquotank River which is designated a stop on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

Visitors may enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, a walking tour of the city's six National Register Historic Districts, a self-guided tour of six historical markers that tell the story of local history during the Civil War, or a boat tour of the harbor. On Saturday mornings during the months of May through October there is the Downtown Waterfront Market. Children can visit Port Discover, a center for hands-on science projects. Downtown is also home to many antique and specialty shops, art galleries, a state museum, theatres, pubs and restaurants.

Certain times of the year the Downtown is host for fireworks displays, the Harbor Arts Festival, an International Powerboat Cup, numerous regattas, such as the Moth Boat Regatta, and other waterfront events. Elizabeth City State University's Planetarium is open to the public to explore the many wonders of astronomy. In Elizabeth City one can "be entranced by our past, be inspired by our art, be engaged by our surroundings;" and take a stroll through history in the "River City", known as the "Harbor of Hospitality.”

A map and directions to the church are on the Christ Church's website, www.christchurch-ec.org. You may also visit www.stphilips.embarqspace.com. We are located at the crossing of Church and South McMorrine Streets, right in the heart of Elizabeth City, two blocks west from water front park. The church is listed on the historic walking tour of Elizabeth City in the Main Street Commercial District and has been entered in the National Register of Historical Places.

The church is available for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Volunteers would be the guides. However, all tourists and visitors are invited to join us in all of our worship services.