The Reverend Thomas M. Murphy has been elected to serve as the 22nd Rector of the historic congregation of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Owings Mills, MD. Murphy graduated summa cum laude from New Jersey City University with a BA in History and Saint Peter’s College, with a Master of Arts in Education. He graduated with honors from The General Theological Seminary in New York City in 2007. He is leaving St. Paul’s Church in Bergen, Jersey City, NJ where he has been Rector since 2013. He has been active in several organizations, including Jersey City Together, a community organizing effort focused on affordable housing, safe streets, and effective schools. Murphy is married to Susan Suarez, an English teacher at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, and a doctoral candidate in Educational Technology Leadership. Rev. Murphy will join our congregation in July.

“I was drawn to St. Thomas’ because it is obviously a loving parish community committed to worshiping God and serving our neighbors. I am eager to work beside parishioners as we build on a strong foundation of ministry, and share our story with people who are hungry for the Good News,” said Murphy.

St. Thomas’ Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in Baltimore County and has been a cornerstone of the Owings Mills community since 1742. In addition to a wide variety of Parish ministries, St. Thomas’ supports the needs of underserved men, women and children in Baltimore and Baltimore County, including Paul’s Place, Loaves & Fishes food ministry at St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, and the Reisterstown Community Crisis Center.

An integral part of our St. Thomas’ community, the St. Thomas’ Pre-School teaches children aged two to six using a nature-based curriculum.

In-person worship at this historic church will resume soon. Virtual services are held Sunday mornings at 10 AM on YouTube and search for St. Thomas’ Church, Owings Mills or check our website for news of in person worship.

St. Thomas’ Church, Garrison Forest is a congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, a community of committed Christians worshiping in the Episcopal tradition and working in more than 100 faith communities throughout western, central & southern Maryland.

The Diocese of Maryland is a community of love, encountering Christ and engaging the world.