(The following is a reprint of the Obituary from the Home Going Celebration of one of our beloved leaders)
Bishop Robert Thomas, Jr. The Journey
April 20, 1925-August 18, 2007
The Early Years
Robert Thomas, Jr. was born April 20, 1925 to the union of Reverend Robert Thomas, Sr. and Missionary Lucille Shorter Thomas, in Chicago, Illinois. He was educated in the public schools of Chicago. He attended Roosevelt University and Chicago Theological Seminary. Young Robert was an outstanding musician and was known throughout Chicago for his gift of playing the trumpet. He was born into African Methodism and spent his childhood at the feet of his father, who was the pastor of Coppin African Methodist Episcopal Church and later became a Presiding Elder in the Chicago Conference. His mother was an avid missionary leader and served God and the church as an Episcopal Supervisor and Second Vice President of the Connectional Women's Missionary Society. She was the President of the Chicago Conference Women's Missionary Society. Their unusual commitment to God and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church inspired Robert Thomas Jr. to always give his best in service. This was clearly demonstrated in how he served as a Pastor as well as a Bishop.
His Ministry as a Pastor
Bishop Thomas accepted the call to the Christian Ministry in April 1946, and was admitted on trial to the Chicago Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church by Bishop John Andrew Gregg. He was elected and ordained a Deacon in 1948 and an Elder in 1950. Both ordinations were by Bishop George Wilbur Baber. H is Pastoral Ministry was set in motion and "Love Makes the Difference" become his personal and professional credo.
His appointments were:
Bethel, Hammond, Indiana, 1949-1953. Under his leadership the membership increased from 29 to 90. He led the congregation in the building of new a church arid the purchase of a parsonage.
Trinity, Waukegan, Illinois, 1953-1960. During his tenure the membership increased from 143 to 502. He led the congregation in the building of a new edifice and the purchase of a new parsonage.
Arnett Chapel, Chicago, Illinois, 1960-1963. His three-year tenure was characterized by his involvement not only in the church but in the Morgan Park Community.
Bethel, Chicago 1963-1972. Historic Bethel Church welcomed the thirty-eight year old pastor with open arms. Together pastor and people completed the task of remodeling the church and the building of a new educational facility, which boasted a huge multi-purpose room, offices, commercial kitchen, and classrooms. While serving as the pastor of Bethel, Reverend Thomas, affectionately known as Pastor Bob, served as President of the NAACP and was appointed by Mayor Richard J. Daley, Chair of the Chicago Commission on Youth Welfare. He also established a very successful day care center that served children of mothers and fathers who needed a safe place to leave their children. This agency provided employment for many people.
Ebenezer, Detroit, Michigan 1972-1988. Ebenezer, the great church in the Motor City, was a challenge for Thomas. It was a huge gothic structure. Ebenezer, at the time of his pastorate, paid the highest General Budget in the entire African Methodist Episcopal Church. In spite of large obligations, this great church worked hard to fulfill the dream of their pastor in his desire to serve as a Bishop of the Church. After 16 years of pastoral care to Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Robert Thomas, Jr. was elected and consecrated the 107th Bishop of the Church at the General Conference of 1988 in Fort Worth, Texas.
In every community where Pastor Bob served, he had a commitment to making a positive difference. He was intimately involved with the people and he was dedicated to lifting fallen spirits. His influence led to young people turning from a life of crime. In one instance, there was a break in and much of the church's office equipment was stolen. When the young people in the neighborhood discovered the "goods" had come from the church Pastor Bob served, they returned all the equipment. "Love Makes the Difference."
His Ministry as a Presiding Bishop
Immediately following his election and consecration as the 107th Bishop, the now Bishop Thomas, was assigned to the 15th Episcopal District which encompasses the Cape Province of South Africa, and Namihia in Southwest Africa. He and Mother Beverly served there from 1988-1992.
Bishop Thomas moved to Cape Town and hecatne the Chief Pastor. He was appointed at a time in the history of South Africa when the people were struggling with apartheid. He insisted that his people be treated equally, whether "coloured" or "black", and never backed down from things he knew to be wrong. He was the man for the hour. "Love Makes the Difference."
In 1992, he was assigned to the 8th Episcopal District, which covers the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. In this assignment, as in all others, Bishop Thomas gave untiring leadership. He developed a major stewardship initiative that led to the expansion of Bonner-Campbell College. The much improved facilities enabled the district to hold many educational activities on their own property. His dedication and wisdom led to many church expansions and greater youth involvement. Under his leadership the 8th Episcopal District hosted many very successful connectional meetings. "Love Makes the Difference."
In 1996, the Episcopal Committee granted the wishes of the 4th District and assigned their favorite son to his home district. Bishop Thomas did not disappoint the people who had worked for his election. He presided fairly, justly and always with love. The people responded in kind and the church grew. It was his custom to always share with the less fortunate. He met the needs of the people whether it was a new roof for the church or books for a class. "Love Makes the Difference."
His Ministry in Retirement
When Bishop Thomas ended his active years of being pastor and Presiding Bishop, his ministry did not end. He was given the opportunity to preach for many districts and churches.
When he was not preaching, he could be found in his pew at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a faithful member and an ardent supporter of his pastor, the Reverend H. Michael Lemmons. Throughout his Pastoral and Episcopal Ministry, he dedicated himself to proclaiming the gospel of love. "Love Does Make the Difference."
His Family
Robert Thomas, Jr. was united in marriage to Deressa Jones Thomas, December 25th, 1946. She shared in his ministry until December 28th, 1979, when the Lord called her from labor to reward. They had one daughter, Patricia Rayford, who died in July 29, 2001. Blessed be her memory.
The Lord blessed Bishop Thomas with another partner in ministry in the person of Beverly Adams Williams. Mother Beverly is a gifted musician, artist, educational administrator and committed missionary. It was the faithfulness of Beverly that added additional years of joy and happiness to the life of Bishop Thomas. It was also her care and commitment that made Bishop Thomas' last days peaceful. They were husband and wife for twenty-five years.
The Bishop leaves to rejoice in his memory his wife, Beverly; three grandchildren, Robert Hendon, Rev. Robyn Henclon (Marcus) Tabb, and Jason (Tasha) Rayford; six great-grandchildren, Maxmillian, Marcus Jr., Michael, Jaylen, Dorian, and Lauryn; sisters-in-law, Opralee Beatty and Cynthia Adams Carter and a hosts of extended family and friends.
"And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13:13 Love Made the Difference
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