In Tune with Tradition: Benjamin Thomas on Faith, Family and Music
Benjamin Thomas has been part of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for as long as he can remember. His parents first brought him to the church as a child, and over the years, it has remained a central part of his life and faith.
“I’ve been going to St. Luke’s my whole life,” he said. “My mom and dad are what brought me here.”
A graduate of St. Luke’s Elementary, Benjamin’s first memories of church life go back to Wednesday chapel services. From those early days to today, St. Luke’s has always felt like home.
“Home is usually a place people like to be,” he said. “Singing in the choir and the yearly ECW garage sale are just some of the things that make coming home every Sunday a joy.”
Having grown up in the parish, Benjamin has seen the church go through many changes, but one thing has remained constant: the strength of its community.
“Each time the St. Luke’s family ends up as strong as ever,” he said. “Seeing that enduring strength makes a really good impression on a person.”
Music plays a central role in Benjamin’s connection to the church. He began singing in the choir as a child and continues to find joy and purpose there.
“Singing in the choir is my joy at St. Luke’s,” he said. “It’s my favorite part of being here.”
One of his most memorable moments came when he heard the church organ again after its reconstruction. “It was bittersweet, but hearing it again was wonderful,” he said.
Benjamin values the relationships he’s built across generations within the congregation. “Having grown up in the church has helped me form a bridge between the older parishioners and the younger parishioners,” he said.
For Benjamin, St. Luke’s is more than a church. “Being part of the church is like having even more extended family than I already do,” he said. “Family is important to me.”
Looking ahead, he hopes the new sanctuary will continue to be a place where music brings people together. “My place at St. Luke’s is securely in the choir,” he said. “My hope is that the new sanctuary can host many wonderful musical events. Music is such a wonderful way to spread love and joy.”