We are turning 100!
Every Christmas for more than ten years, over a thousand members of the local community have descended on the spacious lawns of the Cottesloe Civic Centre to participate in the Carols by Candlelight Service performed by St Philip’s Anglican Church.On May 8 this year, 100 years of Christian worship and ongoing service to the community will be celebrated in the iconic white Mediterranean style church on Napier Street in Cottesloe.What began as a prayer group on a Cottesloe verandah in 1907, grew to a small North Cottesloe congregation with its own wooden church in 1911. Today, the vibrant Christian community of St Philip’s led by Rev. Malcolm Potts is flourishing in the present building originally designed in 1964 by acclaimed architect Julius Elischer.What generally is not known is that North Cottesloe Primary School had its beginnings here in 1913 and for many years students from Presbyterian Ladies’ College regularly attended church services as did members of the SAS from Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne. Also, ANZAC services were regularly held at St Philip’s prior to the Cottesloe Town Council acquiring the Civic Centre.The St Philip’s centenary celebrations on Sunday May 8 will begin with a special 9.00am worship service led by the Archbishop of Perth, Roger Herft and will be followed by a sumptuous morning tea with a chance to renew acquaintances and view displays.At 11.30am the Mayor of Cottesloe, Kevin Morgan will launch the centenary book “Tides of change, A History of St Philip’s Anglican Church, Cottesloe 1911-2011” written by renowned historian Ruth Marchant James, and available after the launch or from the church office at $25 a copy. All are welcome on this day of celebration and thanksgiving, as St Philip’s remembers its past and looks to the future as a welcoming and caring Christian centre continuing to reach out into the community. Enquiries are directed to the church office: 9385 0142 (Tues to Thurs) or email: office@stphilips.net.au