St. Thomas began “without benefit of clergy” around a bridge table in a home in Hollywood Park in 1964. The Diocese purchased eight acres on Loop 1604. Two licensed lay readers began reading Monday Prayer on Sundays at Canyon Creek Country Club with about 30 in attendance. Bishop Everett Jones assigned Canon Gerald McAllister responsibility for the little congregation. April 17, 1965, we officially became St. Thomas the Apostle, a mission under the supervision of the Rev. Tom White. During the formation period, our founding laity made many phone calls, visits, and had exciting plans. We held services in the Country Club ballroom for two years, with our Sunday school being taught in the Cocktail Lounge! Preaching was sometimes challenging; the public address system was on, and so was Muzak. “Will the next foursome please report to the first tee” would accompany the sermon. The first official service was conducted on November 21, 1965.

In July of 1966, the Rev. A. Philip Parham became our first full time Vicar.

On July 28, 1968, Bishop Jones officiated the ground breaking for the church building. The Rev. Christ Kehl and the parishioners of St. George rescued us by providing us the use of their building. Though under construction during Hemisfair and despite many delays and with only the walls and a roof, a service was held on Christmas Eve 1968. Nearly frozen, we worshipped with warm hearts and full voices. March 2, 1969, Bishop Gosnell dedicated the building and confirmed 19 new Episcopalians.

At Diocesan Council in February 1974, we became a self-supporting parish with Rev. A. Philip Parham as our rector. In September 1974, the Day School opened with 30 three and four year olds. In 1976, Bishop Gosnell dedicated the second phase of our building as we celebrated our third annual Oktoberfest. This phase included the narthex (Gosnell Hall), four new classrooms at the west end, a new portico, bell tower, a sign, and additional parking. In addition, the kitchen was remodelled and enlarged.

In 1980, the Rev. Ted Hervey was named Associate Rector and headmaster of the school. In 1981, Father Phil accepted a call to become a counselor and Father Ted became the Interim Rector. In October 1981, the Rev. Mark Lawson Cannaday was called from Port Aransas to be our Rector and Father Ted accepted a call to Grace Church, Weslaco. We started a fund drive to build the Parish Hall and two more classrooms.

In 1982, the Parish Hall was dedicated. The Church continued to grow, and the feeling of Christian love and gracious welcoming of all visitors and newcomers never changed. In 1985, the Rev. Jan Owens came as a supply priest and served until 1988. In 1988, the Rev. John Padgett was ordained and became our Assistant Rector.

On January 5, 1990, we broke ground for the expansion of the Nave. Rev. Mark was called to the Diocesan office as Cannon for Program. Rev. John Padgett became our Interim Rector. August 1, 1990, the Rev. Charles (Chuck) Woehler was called from St. Mark’s San Antonio to be the Rector of St. Thomas. Father John accepted a call to St. Christopher’s by the Sea, Portland, Texas. In 1994, we were recognised as the fasted growing parish in the diocese. In 1995, the Rev. R. Scott Penrod became the Assistant Rector. In 1998, the new education/administration building was dedicated. In April 1988, Fr. Scott was called to Trinity Church, San Antonio. In November, 1998, The Rev. Allan A. Conkling, Jr. became our Assistant Rector. Father Allan left in November 2004, after being called as Rector of Emmanuel in San Angelo. The Rev. Christopher Robinson came to us in June 2005 and stayed until called to Epiphany, Kingsville in January 2009. The Rev. Lera Tyler joined us in February 2009 and remained until called to St. Boniface, Comfort in November 2012. The Rev. Beth Wyndham came to us from the Diocese of Dallas in March 2013.

In 2017  Fr. Chuck retired and in 2019 Rev. Beth Wyndham was called to plant a new church in Bulverde, Texas, St. Nicholas. The Rev. Mike Michie was called to serve St. Thomas as Rector in May 2019 and continues to serve us today. The Rev. Allie Melancon came to us in September 2021 and serves us as Vice Rector.

We are currently a parish of over 350 families and a preschool ages 18 months to five years old. We continue to serve our city of San Antonio as an inclusive and kind church that learns and serves together.