Meeting Street Dedicated In Honor Of Bishop Thomas
Thursday, May 9th, 2024
Even though stormy weather forced the festivities indoors, nothing could dampen the mood Thursday morning as a section of Meeting Street was dedicated in honor of the late Bishop Dr. Stephen A. Thomas. The dedication ceremony was held inside the Community Fellowship Church that Bishop Thomas led for nearly 40 years. The rear entrance to the church stands on Meeting Street.
The Mayor and Council of Dalton resolved in a unanimous vote Monday night to honor the life and legacy of Bishop Thomas and to dedicate the section of Meeting Street between Underwood Street and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in his honor. As part of the dedication ceremony, Mayor Annalee Sams read the resolution aloud once again.
Caption: Mayor Sams (center) and Councilmember Farrow (right) presented members of Bishop Thomas' family and church with replicas of the dedication signs after Thursday's ceremony
"On behalf of the City of Dalton, I am so pleased to be here today," Mayor Sams said before reading the resolution. "I want to make sure to mention that former Mayor David Pennington greatly supported this dedication and wanted this day would happen. He is unfortunately traveling out of town today, but please know how pleased Mayor Pennington is about this and how excited he was for this recognition to happen for Bishop Thomas."
Also speaking at Thursday's event were Bishop Thomas' brother Pastor David Thomas, as well as his sons Matthew and Stephen. Ministers Charlie Walker, E. Kaye Thomas (Bishop Thomas' sister), E. Jonathan Thomas (Bishop Thomas' nephew), and also his wife Mrs. Dana Thomas.
"Someday when [my children] grow up, they’ll be able to see these signs and they’ll be able to tell their children, and their children’s children…. about the legacy of Dr. Bishop Stephen A. Thomas," said Matthew Thomas. "His life impacted many of us over the years, and we celebrate the fact that his life and legacy will be commemorated forever with the signage that is about to go up on Meeting Street."
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 February 3rd, 2023.
"He left a legacy of love, of commitment, of faithfulness, of integrity, and of community," said his sister, Minister E. Kaye Thomas. "He was kind to each and every one of us. He loved justice. He didn’t believe in people being mistreated, that he would not try to take a stand and to help them."
Added Minister Charlie Walker, "what a fitting street to be dedicated for him, to be named Meeting Street… Meeting Street will always remind me of coming together and how Bishop would always try to bring people together."
"My father was not just a bishop, he was the epitome of love, service, and community," said Stephen H. Thomas. "He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a wise mentor, and a tireless community activist. He was also a pillar of the community. This is a testament to that."
At the conclusion of Thursday morning's ceremony, Mayor Sams and Councilmember Steve Farrow presented Bishop Thomas' family with replicas of the street signs that will be posted on Meeting Street, declaring that it is "In Memory of Bishop Dr. Stephen A. Thomas." The signs will be posted along Meeting Street as soon as possible after the Public Works Department completes repairing storm damage in the City.
