Thomas Community Church was founded in 1938. Our name was derived from William Thomas, who donated the property for Thomas School. The school was located just east of the existing church.
The first pastor of TCC was Lester Massingail. The first recorded deacons were J.M. Fisher, John Thompson, Edd Replogle, and Ira Roberts. Due to the hard times during WWII the church closed in 1942. F.P. Copeland came to the area in 1946, and found the church building being used as a hay barn. He felt the need to re-establish the church to be a light to the community. He went to Mr. Clarence Heffley, the current landowner at the time, and obtained permission to reopen the church.
In 1949, Robert Wokaty pastored TCC for one year. D.C. Williams became the pastor in 1950. In 1951 D.C. Williams, Mac Elkhair, and Ira Roberts, held the first of the annual homecoming services. They set the second Sunday in August as Homecoming Day. James Stone became pastor in 1956. Chester Maxwell pastored for a short four months in 1957. October of 1957, James (Bill) Stone, Jr. became pastor. We have many fond memories of the early days, such as dirt floors.
James Stephens became pastor in 1961. During his term the parsonage was completed. In late 1962, Lawrence Ragsdale became pastor. In 1964 Mitch Replogle pastored for a one-year period. Alvie Welch was pastor in 1965 thru 1969. Thomas Smith became pastor in 1970. Jess Esmond became pastor in 1974. James Barnett became pastor In 1975.
Thomas Smith returned for the second time In 1976. He was instrumental in beginning a building program for a new auditorium. Groundbreaking ceremonies were on September 16, 1979. During the construction of the new building Brother Arnold Hash managed the building funds, while Brother Junior Replogle served as construction superintendent.
It was an amazing “community project.” Almost every family in the community gathered together and donated their labor to the building process. It was truly a sight to see.
In 1981, James Barnett returned for a second time. The first service in the new auditorium was on Sunday, January 31, 1982. Brother Junior Replogle preached the first message entitled "Where No Vision, The People Perish".Larry Newton became pastor In 1982. He served until April of 1990. Pastor Newton served longer than any previous pastor. He was replaced by Jack Quaid for a short time.
In June of 1991, Larry Newton returned as pastor for TCC. The church continued its building program by completing the fellowship hall. In June of 2000, Pastor Larry Newton resigned after more than seventeen years of successful ministry at TCC. In August of 2000. James (Bill) Stone Jr. returned as pastor.
Len Reimer became pastor in March of 2008. Under his leadership a new classroom building was added in 2013 and throughout 2014 a major remodel effort was made. This led to a new covered drive and front foyer along with new bathrooms, nursery and an administrative office. Throughout the years, Thomas has been a bright light to the community. The church has always been known for having fun and fellowship along with being a spiritual cornerstone of the area.
Don Couch came on board as interim pastor in 2016 and continues to serve. Under his leadership many capital improvements have been completed on the campus of TCC. In 2020, the church experienced living through a season of “shutdown” due to a global pandemic. Uncertain times. The church doors in Oklahoma were shut via a nationwide declaration. While most churches were closed or offered an on-line service, God gave the leadership of Thomas Community Church a unique idea. Outdoor services were offered just as they were in the old days. This time the services were hosted in the parking lot. People came from the north, south, east and west to be part of the services. The church grew numerically during this troubled time in our nation. God blessed Thomas with abundance in many areas.
Today the church does not have dirt floors, the roads are no longer dirt. The church buildings have central heat and air. But the mission of the church remains the same and always will, “proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ to our community”! Come out to the country and enjoy a peaceful and an abundant life in Jesus.
Look for the white fence.
Listen for the church bells.
Look for the white steeple.
Building on a rich heritage the church continues to thrive as we look to a bright future, “believing the best is yet to come.”
You are welcome to join us at Thomas Community Church!!!
