St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church 🇺🇸

When you visit Tucson, Arizona, you can explore Saint Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, a historic landmark situated at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at the intersection of River Road. If you are interested in local Southwestern heritage, this active site offers a compelling look into 1930s regional development. Originally, local residents John and Helen Murphey intended to commission architect Josias Joesler to construct a private chapel for them at their personal home.

However, Joesler successfully convinced the couple to fund the construction of a public church instead, selecting a site in what was then an undeveloped area of Tucson. Established in 1936 under its first rector, Fr. George Ferguson, the church grew over the decades and earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. As you walk the grounds today, you will experience a site rooted in community history.

The congregation remains an active gathering spot in Tucson, reporting an average Sunday attendance of 404 persons alongside 1,232 members in recent years. You can stop by this historic location to appreciate Joesler's architectural work and see an enduring piece of Tucson's architectural and cultural story.

What to see at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church

• Historic 1936 church designed by architect Josias Joesler
• Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004
• Originally commissioned by Tucson residents John and Helen Murphey
• Located at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and River Road

Visiting tips

Visit 4440 N. Campbell Avenue to view this historic 1936 church designed by architect Josias Joesler.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Sunday morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church is easy to reach on Tucson’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mosque Tucson and John P. Schaefer Center for Creative Photography. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tucson travel guide.