[2][3]It is named after its founder and first minister, Reverend James Phillippo, a Baptist missionary who arrived in Jamaica in 1823.

The church was damaged during Hurricane Dean in 2007, which ripped the roof off the building,[4] and required $25m ($300,000 USD) in repairs.

[4] At the official reopening ceremonies of the church, Prime Minister Bruce Golding's representative (Olivia Grange, then culture minister) said that "Phillippo Baptist Church represents a great part of the nation's history, therefore, we need for all to be aware of the pride and joy it gives to see the restoration done.

James Phillippo was even denied permission to preach to slaves several times, but this did not stop him from setting up the church".

[5] Golding's representative also noted that the church played a major role in the fight for the abolition of slavery, and that even by today's standards is still an impressive architectural creation.