# Philip McGarry — Elmer Gantry character guide

> Philip McGarry in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dr. McGarry, Phil

**First appearance:** 0043-chapter-viii

## Snapshot

A blunt, honest doctor and Frank Shallard's friend, the kind of plain-dealing man Elmer instinctively avoids and quietly fears.

## Who they are

Dr. McGarry moves through the novel's clerical circles as a layman who says what he thinks and has no patience for pious humbug. His friendship with Frank Shallard gives that struggling minister a rare refuge of unpretentious honesty, and his medical plainness stands in sharp contrast to the rhetorical flourishes of the pulpit. He matters as a measuring stick: against his blunt integrity, Elmer's charm and Frank's wavering both look smaller.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxiii)

Philip McGarry is a controversial, liberal Methodist minister known for his criticism of bishops and social institutions, and his emphasis on the leadership of Jesus.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vii)

McGarry is a radical, outspoken minister of the Arbor Church who criticizes Hickenlooper's paternalism and social service approach; Elmer loathes him.

### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxiv)

Methodist pastor of Arbor Church in Zenith; friend of Frank, known for his sturdy cheerfulness and disdainful honesty.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii)

Methodist pastor at Arbor Methodist Church, friend of Frank. He is open-minded about theology and helps sustain Frank's ministry through their friendship.

### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxviii)

Defends the Methodist Church as a noble institution and argues for reforming from within, but is challenged by Frank for his own compromises and use of traditional religious language.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Defends the church as a necessary institution for teaching morality and preserving the unique teachings of Jesus, but is challenged by Frank on his use of theological language he doesn't fully believe.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Inadvertently reveals Frank's heresies to Elmer.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/philip_mcgarry
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters