Our Facilities

Location

St. Thomas’ occupies 2.1 acres in the midst of a charming neighborhood. It is located approximately six blocks north of the courthouse square in downtown Wharton and is centrally located to several other area points of interest; such as the Wharton Civic Center and Wharton County Junior College.

Facilities

St. Thomas’ sanctuary and bell tower were designed by Houston architect Hiram A. Salisbury, A.I.A. in a traditional cruciform plan and construction completed in 1951. The exterior walls are Austin Stone veneer with a black composition roof. A beautiful stained-glass window of “Jesus the Good Shepherd” is located above the recently expanded narthex.

The main doors of the sanctuary open into the narthex, with swinging doors opening into a central carpeted aisle extending the length of the nave, to the chancel. The chancel is raised by a series of steps and a platform making it the focus of the church interior. The sanctuary has a wood cathedral ceiling supported by wood trusses. The walls and wainscot are also stained wood. The floor is wood parquet. Windows along the length of the sanctuary let in natural light. Seating capacity in the oak pews is 230.

The chancel was renovated in the early 1960’s to move the choir and pipe organ to a balcony above the narthex. The chancel walls are now Austin Stone with a large stained-glass window that incorporates the “Madonna and Child”, from the original St. Thomas’ Church on West Milam, surrounded by St. Thomas, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
 

The Bishop’s Garden joins the church and the parish hall. The parish hall, constructed in the mid 1980’s is 5200 sq. ft. and contains a commercial-sized kitchen, library, nursery, offices and classrooms.
 

There is also a 3400 sq. ft. classroom addition and additional classrooms are contained in a 1700 sq. ft. converted residence. The 2300 sq. ft. rectory is currently being used for parish offices. The campus contains 17,200 sq. ft.

The Choir Loft is adorned with a beautiful stained glass window and is also home to our beautifully gifted Choir members and extremely talented Organist.