Picture this: a small group of families gathered in an abandoned television studio. That was the humble beginning of Saint Thomas Church.
In May 1953, twenty-two families came together. They were on Post Oak Road. This was the far southwest corner of Houston then. Each person brought a prayer book. Each also brought a hymnal. They each paid 50 cents. This bought them one chair. They shared this chair with future guests.
This spirit fueled the church’s growth. It also fueled its primary mission: St. Thomas’ School. From the start, parishioners ensured facilities for students.
In November 1953, Rev. T Robert Ingram arrived. He became the missioner. Soon after, they applied for mission status. This was in the Diocese of Texas.
For months, Saint Thomas Church was mobile. They met in homes. They also met in a local elementary school. The Rectory was another location. It was a rented house in Bellaire. An old office building also hosted them. Meanwhile, the congregation raised $40,000. They purchased property in Meyerland. This was a new Houston subdivision.
Through the summer of 1955, they met in an army surplus tent. It had a wooden floor. Air conditioning came from raising the tent’s side flaps. They later met in a temporary wooden building.
At Easter 1972, their current sanctuary was consecrated. This was just short of their 20th anniversary.
In 2022, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church faced a challenge. Hurricane Harvey devastated the area. Eleven of thirteen buildings flooded. The existing church building also flooded. It was completely renovated. The renovation made the building warmer. It became more inviting. Improved lighting was installed. Acoustics also improved. Measures were taken to make it flood resistant. This mitigated future flood risks. All areas became accessible for the disabled. The pipe organ was protected. It is located in the chancel and the balcony. The church façade was restored. A new semi-circular plaza was constructed. It sits in front of the building. This is for outdoor fellowship.
Saint Thomas’ is a member of the Christian Community Service Center. It is an award-winning non-profit. It serves the inner-city Houston community. The CCSC incorporates a coalition of 43 churches. They are united in service. CCSC serves the poor and hungry. They also help the disabled and needy. They respect all differences.
Saint Catherine’s Guild offers pastoral care. They care for the elderly and homebound. This group shows Christ’s love. They visit with people. They send cards and make phone calls.
Helping Angels Loving Others is another organization. It involves younger parishioners. First through fifth graders participate. They volunteer at the Houston Food Bank. They assemble bicycles for underprivileged children. They send care packages to soldiers overseas. They visit the elderly of St. Thomas’.
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School opened in September 1955. T. Robert Ingram founded it. The school’s mission is to form honorable people. They do this through a classical education. This education is Christ-centered.
The school has a bagpipe band. The band has competed in Scotland. They participate in the World Championship Pipe Band Competition.
From humble beginnings to a beacon of hope. Saint Thomas Church stands as a testament to community and faith. It is a welcoming place. It is a place of service. It is a place of learning. It is a place for all.