W.B. Wadsworth (1843-1916) and J.G. Wilkerson (1847-1903) moved their families to the Hearne area from Matagorda, and with their help this church was founded in 1871. It was named in honor of the Rev. J.W. Philips, who preached the first sermon. The New York and Texas Land Company donated this property to the congregation. Services were conducted in a wooden church building until the present Gothic Revival structure was completed in 1912.