For the past twenty- six years, Reverend Fred Thomas, III has served as Pastor of the Greater Saint Peter's Baptist Church. His effective and dedicated leadership has profoundly enhanced the “quality of life” for God’s people emphasizing the importance of salvation, baptism and verbal confession of accepting Christ as savior. His faithfulness and being steadfast in God’s word are expressed daily in his pastoral walk.
Pastor Thomas was born in Brenham, Texas and his family migrated to Hempstead, Tx. during his infancy years. He is the oldest of fourteen children born to Bertha Lee Thomas-Jones and the late Fred Thomas, Jr. He attended the public schools of Hempstead and graduated from Sam Schwarz High in 1966. Following this milestone, he was drafted into the Army 1966-1968 serving as on the 4/18 Artillery division in Germany.
Upon his returning home from the service, he faithfully attended church and was baptized at Greater Saint Peters Baptist Church in April 1971, accepting Christ as his personal Savior. On February 24, 1974, at the age of twenty-eight (28) the Spirit of the Lord came upon Pastor Thomas, and God called him into the ministry.
His determination and desire for spiritual leadership and guidance encouraged him to further his education. He attended Mount Zion Bible Institute, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1983, Master’s in 1985 and Doctor of Divinity degree in 1987. Pastor Thomas continues to educate himself as an enthusiastic participant in workshops, online training and seminars around the country. He strategically challenges all ministers and members to indulge themselves in God’s word enabling victory over defeat in spiritual warfare.
Pastor Thomas's pastoral experience includes serving as Pastor of Rocky Chapel Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas from 1978 to 1993. Pastor Thomas was called to the Greater Saint Peter's Baptist Church on September 13, 1993. Thus far during his tenure, the church has tremendously prospered reflective of his Shepherding:
•Drastic increase in church membership
•Focused teaching to equip all believers to become disciples
•Increased attendance during church services •Development of an anointed midweek service and bible class
•Implementation of the 7:30 AM Sunday "Early Word" Service
•Development of the Children's and Youth Church and creation of the Children's Choirs
•Construction of the church parking lot, basketball courts, and fully equipped playground
•Development of religious, social, and ministerial programs that provide "wholeness" to all members
•Purchases of two church vans for member transports
•Implementation of monthly staff meetings for department lead ministers
•Development and institution of on-site training sessions •Purchase of new computers, copiers, office furniture, piano, organ, and other musical instruments
•Purchase of adjacent property and structure for the future growth of the church
•Launch of the Greater Saint Peters Baptist Church Internet site
•Traveled to Israel in 2000
•Traveled to Kenya in 2002 and 2004
Pastor Thomas is a strong believer in community activism. He is a member of the historical local Minister's Alliance, an interracial and interdenominational group seeking to breakdown racial and religious barriers within the community. His compassion and concern he has for people are unremarkable and he continuously strives to assist others. Over many years, he has been a prominent figure not only to adults, but also to the youth. The core of his heart is Hempstead, but his agape’ love for everyone exceeds beyond.
The City of Hempstead and the welfare of the residents has always been of ultimate importance to Pastor Thomas. As of August19,2019 he was appointed to City Council Position #4 in which he is currently serving. His loyalty, knowledge and vision has contributed to the sustainability alongside other city administrators. His favorite motto is “The mayor runs the city, but I own the town.”
He continues to ensure the struggles endured by blacks historically are not forgotten by hosting annual events such as the MLK day in January and Juneteenth in June. Pastor Thomas loves education and is a strong believer that everyone should obtain knowledge of their native background. With each event, he assures entertainment and food is available.
Pastor Thomas is a loving husband of his bride of 51 years, Doris Jean Thomas. They are the proud parents of three sons: Kenneth (Tracie), Fred IV(Kamina), and Keith. Additionally, they are the grandparents of six (6): Autumn, Dasmine, Dedrick, Fred (V), Jakayla and Ketura. In his free time, he loves to spend time at the farm with his cattle or sitting at McDonald’s witnessing to others. He is a noble man, a valuable member of the community and a God-fearing individual leading by example.