The first Catholic families settled in Lawrence Township in 1812. They were John McCadden, Matthew Patton, and Daniel O'Boyle. By 1831 other families had moved into the area including Philip McCue who donated land for the first Catholic chapel to be built.
In 1845 a cornerstone for a new church was laid by Bishop Prucell. In 1867-8 plans were developed to build a brick church 59x100 feet with a tower 100 feet tall in gothic style at a cost of $30,000.
On June 13th 1947, John Hammer, then 11, served the evening Mass with Fr. Maurer. During the night a thunderstorm developed with fierce lightning. At 5:45 am the next morning a neighbor work Fr. Maurer as the church roof was engulfed in flames. By 9:30 am, the church which was the spiritual home to 150 families had been destroyed by fire and he last flames extinguished.
The new church would be built on the old basement which was a savings to the parish. As promised by Fr. Maurer, Mass was celebrated in the new sanctuary in 1949. The new church was dedicated on May 30, 1949 by Bishop James A. McFadden. In 1950, the Youngstown Diocese was established and Saints Philip and James Parish became a part of the Youngstown Diocese.
There is no recorded reason for the start of the school but is has been an important part of the parish since 1875 when a lay teacher taught seven grades of 12 boys and 16 girls. The continued support of the parish was evident in the 1970s when it was suggested that the school be closed and the parish and school parents put forth great effort to keep it open.
Information on the school suggests it also was a vital part of the parish due to the support of the teachers especially the Notre Dame Sisters who staffed the school between 1883 and 1885 and again from 1941 to 1975. Another main support of the school was Miss Rose Leaver who staffed the school, often by herself, for a total of 43 years between 1889 and 1941. She attended the school as a child and was its first formally trained teacher. She died in 1948 following the destruction of the church by fire. Other early teachers included Philomena Steiner, Rose Funk, Mary Cavanaugh, Mary Collins, Julia McGuire, Mary Fitzgerald, and Delores Smith.
The history of the school buildings is not very complete. In 1935 Fr. Maurer oversaw the building of the new school. In 1967, 3 sisters and 1 lay teacher taught 164 students in grades 1-8 in 4 rooms. The old addition was taken down to allow the construction of the social hall. In 1982, a second floor including 5 classrooms was added.
Students are offered many opportunities in faith development by attending prayer services, Mass, and classroom prayer. Through community service, student are encouraged to practice their faith and live the gospel.
The school continues to strive for academic excellence. All teachers are licensed through the State of Ohio Department of Education.Saints Philip and James School was also reaccredited in 2008. Students participate in activities offered by the school and parish. School sports are governed by the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association).
All day Kindergarten was added beginning the 2000-2001 school year. A computer lab was developed and students attend computer classes each week. Classrooms also contain computers for student and staff use. Classrooms are linked and internet access is available throughout the school.
Preschool classes for 3 year old student and pre-kindergarten-4 year old students were added in 1986. Before and after school care is offered throughout the school year and summer to school families as well community students.