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While studying in Europe for the priesthood, Father Philip Wagner became very ill. One beautiful autumn day in 1912, he stepped off the train in Lourdes, France, at the Grotto of our Lady. Amidst the quiet and beauty of the Grotto, he prayed that should his health be restored, he promised to build - somewhere at sometime - a shrine in Mary's honor. After praying and bathing in the miraculous waters, his condition improved; his courage was received and his strength returned.
By 1916, Father Wagner had finished his studies for the priesthood. Before returning to the United States, he and some fellow students toured Europe. During this time, Father collected ideas and made contacts for the statues he planned to use in his promised Grotto.
In 1917, Father Philip Wagner was appointed Rudolph's new pastor when Father VanSever retired. At this time, the Church, called St.Philomena's, was located on Fifth Avenue, about one and a half miles west of its present location.
In 1918, the decision was made to build a new church within the village of Rudolph. The plans, drawn up in 1919, included a single building to house the Church, rectory, convent and school. Ground was broken and construction began on February 10, 1920 with the dedication held on May 1, 1921.
To accommodate a growing parish, the present Church was built in 1950-1951. The parish name was changed to St. Philip in 1961 in honor of Father Philip Wagner. The school, with preschool through sixth grade, is currently staffed by lay teachers.
The Rudolph Grotto's Master Custodian monitors this web site, last updated 27 May 2000.