In 1980 a group of Houstonians left the Episcopal Church. They formed an Anglican mission parish. This was the beginning of Saint Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church. It started humbly meeting in a West University home. These devout Anglicans felt the Episcopal Church strayed from biblical morals. They also felt it lost traditional English Reformation faith and doctrine.
Saint Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church soon thrived. In 1985 they acquired land and a chapel. This chapel was originally part of Pearland’s First Methodist Church. The building served as their sanctuary. The congregation worked hard. By 1989 they paid off their original debt.
Growth continued. In 1995 a new parish hall and classroom opened. The Reverend James T. Payne became their third Rector. Three years later Saint Thomas became a parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church. This church stresses Bible fidelity and the 39 Articles of Religion. The Articles reflect the Church of England’s historic doctrines.
Saint Thomas of Canterbury continued to grow. The church underwent renovations. Eight stained-glass windows were added. The parking lot was expanded in 2002. A new organ was dedicated in 2005. In 2009 the Reformed Episcopal Church joined the Anglican Church in North America. This made Saint Thomas part of a large global Anglican communion.
Further expansion was needed. In 2015 under Steven K. Howell’s leadership the congregation raised almost $400000. They pledged this money to build new classrooms and expand parking. Three acres of land were sold to finance construction. Reverend Payne retired in July 2023. He remains the Archdeacon for the Reformed Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Mid-America. Reverend John W Clay became Saint Thomas’ fourth Rector in August 2023. Saint Thomas of Canterbury remains committed to scripture and true Christian doctrine. They continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.