The St. Philip-the-Less Anglican Church is located in Boscobelle, a tranquil district situated in the northern parish of St. Peter on the breathtaking island of Barbados. The church's founder was said to have dedicated the church in the memory of his son.
This country church in Barbados was financed and constructed by Philip Lovell Phillips (MD.) as a memorial to his son, Philip Lovell Collyer Phillips, hence the term 'the-less' added to the name to make the distinction between the father and the son since they both had the same Christian names.
It is thought that Dr. Philips senior, sought to immortalize his son's memory and the sacrifice he made by serving as a Lieutenant in Her Majesty's Rifle Brigade and subsequently dying at the young age of twenty one from dysentery on August 22nd in 1858 while in Point De Galle, Ceylon, now Sri Lanka on his way back from India. However, another version has also been suggested as to the origin for the church's name. This version is more biblical in nature and states that the church was named after Philip the Deacon instead of the apostle Philip, who was known as Philip the Great and for this reason this church bears the name Philip-the Less to distinguish it from the apostle.
However, the inscription on a tablet in the church itself seems to support the original notion. It is inscribed with the words "This Chapel was erected by his father as a memorial of Philip Lovell Collyer Philips..." and it further notes that Philip, the son, was deeply loved and valued by all who knew him "as a gentleman, an officer and a Christian." The construction of this church in Barbados was indeed thought to be fitting tribute to a good son.
This church was consecrated by the Bishop of Barbados at the time, Thomas Parry on Match 23rd, 1860. It is interesting to note that in a speech, the bishop made reference to Dr. Philips' generosity stating that he bore the costs of constructing the church which amounted to the sum of one thousand pounds (1000.00). Bishop Parry acknowledged that the Anglican Diocese in Barbados was indeed indebted to this "non-resident [proprietor] P. L. Philips, Esq. M.D. owner of Lamberts, in St. Lucy's Parish"; again giving credence to the original notion that the church was indeed named in his son's memory.