Bishop Dr. Stephen A. Thomas
A portion of Meeting Street in Dalton will be dedicated to honor the life and legacy of the late Reverend Dr. Stephen A. Thomas, better known in Dalton as Bishop Thomas.
The portion of Meeting Street between Underwood Street and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard will be dedicated in Bishop Thomas' honor with a ceremony this Thursday at 10 a.m.
The Mayor and Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution honoring Bishop Thomas' life and service and dedicated the street at their meeting Monday night.
Dr.
Thomas served as the bishop of the Community Fellowship Church in Dalton for 37 years, and also was one of the founding members of the Concerned Clergy of Whitfield County. He also founded the Northwest Georgia College of Theology.
"His service to the community was extensive, and also included serving on the Dalton Parks and Recreation Commission including serving as its chairman. In that role, he was integral to the creation of the Mack Gaston Community Center which continues to transform neighborhoods and lives in Dalton. Bishop Thomas passed away on Feb. 3, 2023," officials said.
"I'm really excited and humbled about this opportunity today. First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you to Mayor Sams, the Council and so many others that helped put together the resolution on tonight's agenda in commemoration of my dad," said Matthew Thomas, one of Bishop Thomas' sons. "It is our honor and with humility we are excited to celebrate in the resolution and the following street dedication at Meeting Street in honor of my dad."
Mayor Annalee Sams read the resolution honoring Bishop Thomas and dedicating the portion of Meeting Street at Monday night's council meeting before it was unanimously approved by the Council.
Resolution 24-12 states:
WHEREAS, The Reverend Doctor Stephen A. Thomas (“Bishop Thomas”) served Community Fellowship Church in the City of Dalton for almost forty years; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was a founder of the Community Fellowship Church of Ministries Outreach Program, which included such programs as the Bethlehem House of Bread, Youth Ministries, Music Ministries, and other outreach programs; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was a founder of the Northwest Georgia College of Theology, an extension of the North Carolina College of Theology; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas served for many years on the Dalton Parks and Recreation Commission, including extensive service as the chair of the Commission; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was an integral part of the creation of the Mack Gaston Community Center; and WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was a founding member of the Concerned Clergy of Whitfield County; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas loved this community and was a proud member of the Dalton High School Class of 1980; and WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was a community leader who worked tirelessly to better the lives of the citizens of Dalton; and WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who served as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas served as a mentor to other pastors and to numerous citizens of this community; and WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas exemplified service and left a great legacy of serving this community; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dalton have determined that Bishop Thomas and the legacy that he has left the community are worthy of high honor and recognition;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dalton hereby recognize the great contributions of Bishop Thomas to the City of Dalton;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dalton hereby dedicate the portion of Meeting Street from Underwood Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in memory of Bishop Dr. Stephen A. Thomas;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all resolutions or parts thereof of the City of Dalton in conflict with the provisions herein contained are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby superseded and repealed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these Resolutions shall take effect immediately upon their adoption.
Bishop Dr. Stephen A. Thomas and family