Rev. Colin Phillips
The Rev. Colin Phillips, 70, a retired Elder, died Dec. 1, 2017 after a 15-month battle with cancer. A memorial service was held Dec. 9 at St. Paul UMC in New Windsor.
Colin Anthony Phillips was born June 13, 1947, in Cleveleys, England, the son of the late Walter and Isabel Phillips. He was a graduate of the University of Kent and Bristol University in England, and held various degrees from Brown University, Wesley Theological Seminary, Lancaster Seminary and Towson University.
During his 40-years pastoral career, he also worked as a licensed mental health professional with agencies serving victims of domestic violence and as a counselor in the prison system. His churches included the Liberty Charge, 1978-1981, Cowenton UMC, 1981-1990, Presbury UMC in Edgewood, 1990-1995; Dorsey Emmanuel UMC, 1995-2003; Salem UMC in Hebbville, 2003 until his retirement in 2011. After retirement he pastored Walkersville, Oct. 2011 to 2013, then St. Paul in New Windsor for a year, and finally Trinity in Emmitsburg until 2014.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Strawbridge Shrine, but one of his proudest accomplishments was the founding of the Night of Peace family shelter at Salem UMC, the only family shelter in Baltimore County at the time. The shelter opened in 2004 and remains open today serving mothers and children.
During vacations and leisure time, Phillips loved Big Bend National Park in Texas, music, cinema, travel, writing and attending Orioles games with his son and family.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Phillips; son, Alex Phillips and wife Kristi; step-daughter, Abigail Ford; a brother and a godson, Nathan Kapsin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Night of Peace Shelter, 7509 Windsor Mill Rd., Windsor Mill, MD 21244 or to The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, P.O. Box 17029, Baltimore, 21297-1029.
Condolences may be sent to Deborah Phillips, 2004 Academy Court, Emmitsburg, MD 21727-9225.