Louis Phillips

Businessman, philanthropist and Jewish community leader, Louis Phillips was born in London circa 1838. He arrived in Sydney in 1856, while still in his teens. He immediately took up work with the Sydney merchant Moses Moss, and within five years he was a partner in the company. Besides his work with Moses Moss & Co. – of which Phillips remained a director until his death – he became a director of several companies including the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Model Lodging House Company and Pacific Fire and Marine Insurance.

All the while, Phillips maintained a strong commitment to community work. He volunteered for Jewish welfare organisations including the Jewish Orphan Society and the Sydney Jewish Sabbath School. Phillips was on the board of management of the Great Synagogue for 40 years, including ten years as president. He was also committed to organisations focusing on the wider community. This included the roles of director of Sydney Hospital and president of the Prisoners’ Aid Association of New South Wales.

Louis Phillips died at his residence, Orwell in Potts Point, on 6 November 1913. His sons, among them Orwell Phillips, followed in their father’s footsteps with successful careers in business with a similarly strong commitment to the religious affairs of the Jewish community.