Syracuse Sun

Richard “Dick” Phillips, dean emeritus of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University, passed away on July 10 in Colorado at the age of 90. Phillips, who led the chapel during the 1980s and 1990s, was a native of Missouri and earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Northwest Missouri State University in 1957. He later obtained a master’s degree in theology from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, in 1960 and became a Methodist minister.

Phillips moved to Syracuse with his wife Ethel and served as associate minister at University United Methodist Church while pursuing advanced degrees at Syracuse University. He earned a master’s degree in religious education in 1963 and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology and curriculum and school programs in 1965.

After completing his Ph.D., Phillips joined the faculty of Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas, from 1966-75 and later directed the American Youth Foundation based in St. Louis from 1975-81.

Phillips was installed as the fourth dean of Hendricks Chapel on April 10, 1981. His installation marked a shift for the chapel's leadership role from being primarily affiliated with Protestant services to becoming an administrative position representing various worshipping communities. A report by religion professor James Wiggins redefined this relationship.

During his tenure, Phillips aimed to expand Hendricks’ community role. He told the Syracuse Herald-Journal: “We have to be out in the community doing relevant things.” In his installation address reported by The Syracuse Post-Standard, he removed his shoes while speaking about Moses' encounter with holy ground: “Theologically and vocationally, I believe the ground on which I am standing is holy ground.”

Thomas V. Wolfe, who succeeded Phillips as dean emeritus of Hendricks Chapel said: “Even though Dick operated under the new formalized structure... it was always built as an interfaith space... Dick’s tenure was the first that had that array as part of their work.”

Phillips played a key role in establishing Syracuse University's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event during the mid-1980s and planned a memorial service after Pan Am Flight 103 tragedy over Lockerbie.

Brian Konkol, current vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel remarked: “Dean Phillips was widely regarded as a faithful and fruitful leader... we give thanks for his remarkable life and legacy.”

In retirement, Phillips authored books including "Hendricks Chapel: Seventy-five Years of Service to Syracuse University" (Syracuse University Press) published in 2005.

Phillips is survived by his children Cindy and Ken; he was predeceased by his wife Ethel last year. Donations can be made to Hendricks Chapel in memory of Richard "Dick" Phillips.