The Church of South India (CSI) community has been in existence in Greater Houston area from the late 1970s. Being the first generation immigrants from India many of us felt that the establishment of CSI church would enable us to guide the second generation to uphold traditional Indian values, understand and respect our traditions and social customs, and live by faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The St. Thomas Church of Greater Houston was established on November 18th, 1988 with 28 families. Worship services were conducted at the Advent Episcopal Church, Houston, Texas under the leadership of Rev. C J Thomas. Rev. Thomas with his knowledge in pastoral care led the congregation through its infancy. Rev. Dr. E V Eapen and Rev. Dr. K S George also played an integral role in the early development of the church.
On March 7, 1991 after careful planning and prayers, the Church acquired its own facility located at 13630, Almeda School Rd, Almeda, TX. The members renovated the main Sanctuary, fellowship hall, and three classrooms. The CSI Moderator, the Most Rev. Dr. Victor Premsagar and the Rt. Rev. M C Mani, Bishop in charge of the CSI congregations in North America held the dedication and consecration on the Church on July 13, 1991.
The Church became the usual meeting place for the members to come together and worship God. At the same time the Church provided a place to know and love one another, to discuss and deal with social issues, to relax and enjoy family, to express and develop talents, to encourage and appreciate one another, and to pray and plan for the future of our children.
In September, 1991 Rev. K C Thomas of the North Kerala Diocese was appointed as the vicar of the Church. Rev. Thomas served the congregation until July 1995. Rev. Thomas Paikad of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese was appointed as the vicar in May 1996. The congregation experienced tremendous growth in various areas under his leadership. Church membership grew to 52 families. During his tenure the congregation built a new fellowship hall, replacing the old one. Rt. Rev. Dr. J W Gladstone, Bishop of the South Kerala Diocese officiated the dedication service of the building on August 15 1999. Rev. Thomas Paikad and his family returned to Kerala, India in June 1999, and Rev. Dr. K K Cherian of the Madhya Kerala Diocese was appointed as the vicar for a period of six months.
Rev. Lawrence Johnson of the South Kerala Diocese was appointed as our vicar in February 2000. He along with his wife Mercy and daughters, Lima and Hima were deeply involved in various activities of the church until September 2002 at which time they moved to Chicago so Rev. Lawrence could pursue higher studies.
After the tenure of Rev. Lawrence Johnson, the church had the help of several visiting pastors providing pastoral care to the congregation until Rev. Saji K Cherian of the Madhya Kerala Diocese as appointed as the vicar of the church in May 2003. During his tenure the church purchased the parsonage for the residence of the vicar and the family. The congregation also purchased the adjacent land to the church property which could be used for more parking space and a play ground for the Sunday School children. This clearly marks a physical growth of the church. After having served 3 years as the vicar of the church, Rev. Saji K Cherian and family were transferred back to Kerala, India in April, 2006.
Rev. Roy Varghese was appointed as the vicar in May 2006. He was ordained in the CSI East Kerala Diocese. His ministry experiences both in the CSI and the CNI make a good quality leadership in the Church. His wife, Princess Roy, a theological graduate and Christian counselor is an added asset for the leadership and ministry to the congregation. There are nearly 80 families regularly worshiping in the church.
We have an active Sunday school, Choir, Youth Fellowship and Women’s Fellowship. Our youth participate in Houston area Charity organizations; they also help the needy through fund raising activities. Our Women’s fellowship members consistently contribute funds to various mission fields in Kerala, India and in the United States as well.