Chief Evangelist Philip A Thomas, Sr.

Chief Evang. Philip A. Thomas, Sr. (affectionately known as Chief Thomas), made a roaring entrance into this world July 31, 1920, in Newark, NJ.   The 4^th child born to Deacon Robert H. & St. Rhoda J. Thomas, his mother (a former school teacher) and father (a teamster) raised Philip and his 3 brothers (August, Isaac & Harold) and 2 sisters (Zilla & Keturah), in the fear & admonition of the Lord.

Philip and his siblings learned to sing & recite poetry. They were encouraged to study the 7 keys and the Word of God.  He was educated in the Newark Public Schools System. He was an advanced student and graduated from South Side High School ahead of his originally scheduled graduation date.

In 1936, he joined the National Guard, under his eldest brother's name, August.  He corrected the I.D. confusion when he reached the required age but until this day, some of the veterans still refer to Chief Thomas as "Augie". He entered the U.S. Army in 1939 and was shipped to the South Pacific at the onset of WWII. He saw combat in Australia, the Philippines, New Guinea & Japan. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Through it all, God was with him and kept him from harm in the face of danger. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Chief Thomas met the great love of his life, St. Ruth Mouray Morris (the late Grand Rachel Emeritus), in 1939. They were wed August 17, 1944. The marriage was actively opposed by the leaders of the different factions of Church of God and Saints of Christ. The young couple defied convention and ignored threats as well as consequences. Their love endured over 70 years. Many said it wouldn't last. Chief Thomas and St. Ruth raised Philip Jr., Jerome & Lynn Marie (who preceded GRE in death) to love and be active members of the Church of God and Saints of Christ.

Chief Evangelist Philip A. Thomas was: a 30 year-choir member (Gen. Supt.), an Ordained Deacon, Chairman of the Trustees, Ordained Elder (1954), appointed Evangelist (1963), General Secretary. Evangelist-at-Large, and the position he still holds today, Chief Evangelist of the pulpit. He pastored the Brooklyn, NY and Newark, NJ tabernacles respectively. His contribution to the Church over 90 years is monumental and legendary. He remains a fierce advocate for God, Christ and His Prophet!