ABOUT US

Thompson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

Established in 1880

On January 2, 1880, Paul Thompson, Sr. donated a 1/2 acre of land for the purpose of providing a place for the people to worship in the Burnt Lake District in Sugar Land, Texas. This 1/2 acre of property originated from the L. E. Cartwright tract as recorded in the Fort Bend County records. A.D. Dove, founder of Thompson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, originally named the church Free Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation numbered 20 adults and 20 children and the first service was held in September of that year.

During the first decade the building was enlarged to accommodate the growing congregation. Along with the expanding church body came the growing pains and the church name was changed in 1894 to New Home Missionary Baptist Church. At this time another 1/2 acre of land was provided by Paul Thompson, Sr., as recorded in the Fort Bend County records. This property was the location of the Burnt Lake School intended to provide education for African Americans in the Burnt Lake District.

As the vision changed and the membership grew, the church split and New Home Missionary Baptist Church relocated to Reddick/Clodine Road on what is currently known as FM1464. The members who remained had a mind to continue to serve the Lord in this location and named the Church, Thompson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in honor of the original donor of the land. The newly formed church would remain faithful in their service to “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)

In 1954, Thompson Chapel was a given the 1/2 acre of land that the Burnt Lake School District used for the school. This blessing commenced when African American students were bussed to M.R. Woods School in Sugar Land, TX. The blessings continued to pour in. The congregation continued to grow as did the faith of the members. The church was remodeled and everyone continued to pray.

Many Pastors and Spiritual Leaders have presided over Thompson Chapel over the years: A.D. Dove, T.S. Wright, A. Marshall, F. Page, C. Wells, M. Gamble, Snow, O.W. Davis, R.J. Smith, A.J. Williams, E. Leno (1950-1968), W.T. Archie (1969-1975), H.S. Dotson (1976-1984); each of these men served faithfully until hearing those blessed words “servant Well Done!”.

God has continued to bless Thompson Chapel in the form of leadership with J.L. Campbell (1985-1987), G. Hunter, Jr. (1987-1992), J.E. Blake (1992-1997), A. Potts (1997-2004), E. Pettit (2004-2006), D. Roaches (2007-2012) and Pastor H. Hollis, (2014-2015).

The church has undergone some transformations physically over the years allowing the church capability and functionally to change with the addition of computers, additional buildings, and growth of the community and through the members that continue to grace the pews each Sunday. Rev Charlie Wells was instrumental in the first church building renovation during the 1930’s.

The next major renovations would come during the 18 years that Rev. Earnest Leno pastured, he led in the remodeling of the church building, laid the cornerstone for the church and established many of the auxiliaries as they remain today. He served faithfully until his master called him home in 1968. In 1987 under the tutelage of Rev Gus Hunter, Jr., the building was expanded to current size. The baptismal pool, central air and heat was added. The fellowship hall was erected and dedicated in 1995 under the leadership of Rev. James Blake. The office buildings were added in 2003 under the leadership of Rev. Arlan Potts.

The church has been a landmark in the Thompson Chapel Community, standing as a beacon of light for those seeking spiritual guidance. Currently the church is being spiritually led by the Holy Spirit under the leadership of our current Pastor, Eric D. Phillips.