Mission Statement
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church is a community of faith bound together by God's love seeking God's grace and will for our lives.
Our History and Heritage
St. Thomas’ on the Bayou has long served as a spiritual landmark in Monroe, Louisiana. Located on the tranquil banks of Bayou DeSiard at 3706 Bon Aire Drive, the church’s identity is inextricably linked to the natural beauty and the "on the water" spirit of the region.
The church emerged as part of the mid-20th-century growth of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana. For decades, it has stood as a "pillar of support" for the city, evolving from a local mission into a vibrant parish known for its collaborative heart. Throughout its history, St. Thomas’ has maintained a unique "family" atmosphere, often sharing leadership and fellowship with sister parishes like St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s. This spirit of unity was famously exemplified by the long-standing leadership of the Stodghill family (the Rev. Whit and Rev. Dawnell Stodghill) and the dedicated ministry of leaders like Rita Garner.
The history of St. Thomas’ is not just written in its records, but in the lives of its members. The church has a storied legacy of music and ministry, notably through members like the late Edwin Holman Ryland, whose global influence in prison ministry (Kairos) and Christian music began right here in the Monroe community.
Our Mission: Faith in Action
At St. Thomas’ on the Bayou, we believe that faith is a journey best taken together. Our mission is to be a welcoming, inclusive community where the love of Christ is not just preached, but practiced.
Our core values are centered on Love, Peace, and Unity. We strive to be:
A Sanctuary of Serenity: Utilizing our beautiful location on the bayou as a space for reflection, contemplative prayer, and spiritual renewal.
A Pillar of Outreach: We are a "church without walls." Our history is rooted in service, from supporting Grace Place Ministries to feeding the hungry and clothing the homeless in the greater Monroe area. We believe that to follow Christ is to serve our neighbors.
A Collaborative Community: We celebrate our connection to the wider Episcopal Church and our local partners. Whether through joint worship services or community-wide outreach, we believe we are stronger when we work together.
Who We Are Today
Today, St. Thomas’ on the Bayou remains a "community of dreamers" and doers. We offer a worship experience that honors the richness of the Episcopal tradition while remaining accessible and modern. From our praise band and organ-led liturgies to our virtual "Zoom Compline" gatherings, we meet people where they are—whether they are lifelong Episcopalians or seeking a spiritual home for the first time.
We invite you to join us on the bayou, where the water is calm, the welcome is warm, and the mission is clear: to live and proclaim the love of Jesus Christ in an authentic, welcoming community.
Our Leadership & Staff
Clergy
The Rev. Rita T. Jefferson – Priest | A visible leader in the parish and the community, Mother Rita is deeply involved in both the spiritual life of the church and local environmental stewardship (including the "Care of Creation" initiatives).
Deacon Bette J. Kauffman, Ph.D. - Deacon and Canterbury Chaplain
Lay Leadership & Vestry
Karen Hayward – Lay Deputy & Senior Leader | A prominent voice for St. Thomas’ at the diocesan level, Karen serves as a lay deputy to the General Convention and is a primary contact for church administration.
Denny Garner – Administrative & Community Lead | Often managing the church’s communication and blog updates, Denny is a central point of contact for the parish’s daily operations.
The Vestry
The Vestry is the elected governing board of the church. While specific members rotate annually, you can use this structure for your template:
Senior Warden: (Commonly the "Rector’s Warden," often Karen Hayward or a similar senior member).
Junior Warden: (Responsible for the "On the Bayou" buildings and grounds).
Vestry Members: Usually consists of 6 to 9 elected parishioners who oversee the mission and finances of the church.
Music & Ministry
Organist & Choir Director: St. Thomas’ is known for a blend of traditional organ music and its Praise Band.
Outreach Coordinator: This role is often shared among the vestry to manage partnerships with groups like Grace Place Ministries.
What We Believe
We are a Gospel-centered community, seeking to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ through Scripture, tradition, and reason.
We are a sacramental people, finding our strength and unity in the beauty of the Liturgy and the breaking of the bread.
We are a "Sanctuary on the Bayou," believing that the peace and beauty of God’s creation offer a unique path to spiritual renewal.
We are a multigenerational family that honors our elders’ wisdom while creating space for the energy and questions of our youth.
We are radically inclusive; we believe that every person is a beloved child of God, and we welcome all without exception or judgment.
We are missions-minded and local-focused, committed to serving our Monroe neighbors through Grace Place and other hands-on ministries.
We are a community of the "Middle Way," where we embrace the tension of different perspectives and welcome honest questions over easy answers.
We are unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of every human being, striving for justice and peace in our neighborhood and the world.
We are unwavering in our love for one another, believing that the strongest witness to our faith is how we care for our community.
A Journey Through Time: St. Thomas’ on the Bayou
1955: The Seeds are Planted Following a period of post-war growth, Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe (led by the visionary Fr. John Allin) decides to "plant" three missions to serve the expanding community. St. Thomas’ on the Bayou is founded this year alongside its sister churches, St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s.
1956–1960: Finding a Home on the Water The mission transitions from temporary meeting spaces to its permanent and iconic home at 3706 Bon Aire Drive. The choosing of this location on the banks of Bayou DeSiard gives the church its unique name and its lifelong identity as a sanctuary of natural beauty.
1979: A New Diocese is Born St. Thomas’ becomes a charter parish of the newly formed Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana as the state’s Episcopal territory is divided to better serve the growing North Louisiana population.
1980s–1990s: Growth in Ministry The parish establishes itself as a hub for local outreach. During these decades, St. Thomas’ becomes a key supporter of Grace Place Ministries, a local non-profit dedicated to feeding and clothing those in need in the Monroe area.
2000s: The Stodghill Legacy The church’s history becomes deeply intertwined with the ministry of the Stodghill family. The Rev. Whit Stodghill and the Rev. Dawnell Stodghill lead the congregation with a focus on deep spiritual formation, music, and an "open table" philosophy that defines the parish today.
2015: Strengthening Bonds St. Thomas’ enters a new era of "collaborative ministry." Recognizing their shared roots, St. Thomas’, St. Alban’s, and St. Patrick’s begin working more closely together, sharing resources, joint services, and community events.
2020: The Virtual Sanctuary In response to the global pandemic, St. Thomas’ successfully pivots to virtual ministry, establishing the "Zoom Compline" and live-streamed services, ensuring the "Sanctuary on the Bayou" remains accessible to everyone, anywhere.
Today: Looking Forward Under the leadership of dedicated clergy like The Rev. Rita Garner and The Rev. Whit Stodghill, St. Thomas’ continues to thrive as a parish that honors its 1955 mission roots while embracing a progressive, inclusive future for all of Monroe.