History

The first full-time Priest for the Clifton and Morenci Missions was the beloved Father Bruce. Services were held in Clifton in the Princess Theatre next to the bridge over the San Francisco River. Later services were held in a small frame building on Second Street opposite the present First Baptist Church of Clifton. Sunday services were also held at various locations in Morenci.

With the appointment of Reverend David Pettengill as Rector on October 13, 1961, the missions were combined as the parish church of Saints Philip and James. Shortly afterward, the present A-frame structure was constructed for a cost of about $29,000. The first service was held there on Palm Sunday, April 15, 1962.