Saint Thomas More Parish: 45 Years of Grace and Growth
Though just celebrating it’s 45th Anniversary in September 2023, Saint Thomas More Parish still feels new. It embodies modern design and has flourished through the stewardship of its dedicated members.
The need for a new Catholic church in Lynchburg, Virginia, became evident in the early 1970s. After initial efforts by Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Diocese of Richmond established a study group in 1976. By 1977, plans for a new parish in Timberlake were underway, and Bishop Walter Sullivan announced its formation in 1978. Father John Leonard became the founding pastor, and the new parish, Saint Thomas More, began in a house on Deerwood Drive.
Fundraising efforts in 1979, combined with a land donation, led to the construction of the church and rectory, completed in 1981. Under Father Dennis Murphy's leadership, the parish grew from 25 to 535 families by 1985. Subsequent pastors continued to expand the facilities, adding offices, classrooms, and housing for those with special needs.
Father Kevin O’Brien's tenure saw the need for a larger worship space, which Father Jim Dorson realized in 2002. New facilities were dedicated in 2004. Monsignor Michael McCarron, assigned in 2013, oversaw further enhancements, including the addition of stained glass windows, a new building for outreach, and other renovations funded by the Diocesan Living Our Mission Campaign.
Saint Thomas More Parish has grown to over 920 families and 2434 members, known for its vibrant liturgy, multigenerational faith formation, evangelism, and service. The parish supports various ministries, including Meals on Wheels, More Aid Outreach and Food Pantry as well as Habitat for Humanity. It is twinned with Our Lady of the Nativity Parish in Savanette, Haiti, supporting numerous projects there.
Celebrating over 12,000 Masses, 895 Baptisms, 744 Confirmations, 1019 First Communions, and 201 Marriages, Saint Thomas More Parish continues to be a beacon of faith, community, and service in Lynchburg.
Though just celebrating it’s 45th Anniversary in September 2023, Saint Thomas More Parish still feels new. It embodies modern design and has flourished through the stewardship of its dedicated members.
The need for a new Catholic church in Lynchburg, Virginia, became evident in the early 1970s. After initial efforts by Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Diocese of Richmond established a study group in 1976. By 1977, plans for a new parish in Timberlake were underway, and Bishop Walter Sullivan announced its formation in 1978. Father John Leonard became the founding pastor, and the new parish, Saint Thomas More, began in a house on Deerwood Drive.
Fundraising efforts in 1979, combined with a land donation, led to the construction of the church and rectory, completed in 1981. Under Father Dennis Murphy's leadership, the parish grew from 25 to 535 families by 1985. Subsequent pastors continued to expand the facilities, adding offices, classrooms, and housing for those with special needs.
Father Kevin O’Brien's tenure saw the need for a larger worship space, which Father Jim Dorson realized in 2002. New facilities were dedicated in 2004. Monsignor Michael McCarron, assigned in 2013, oversaw further enhancements, including the addition of stained glass windows, a new building for outreach, and other renovations funded by the Diocesan Living Our Mission Campaign.
Saint Thomas More Parish has grown to over 920 families and 2434 members, known for its vibrant liturgy, multigenerational faith formation, evangelism, and service. The parish supports various ministries, including Meals on Wheels, More Aid Outreach and Food Pantry as well as Habitat for Humanity. It is twinned with Our Lady of the Nativity Parish in Savanette, Haiti, supporting numerous projects there.
Celebrating over 12,000 Masses, 895 Baptisms, 744 Confirmations, 1019 First Communions, and 201 Marriages, Saint Thomas More Parish continues to be a beacon of faith, community, and service in Lynchburg.
TIMELINE
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JULY 1978
Bishop Walter Sullivan Founds Parish at Timberlake
SEPTEMBER 1978
Fr. John Leonard appointed as the parishes first priest
AUGUST 1979
Fr. Dennis Murphy
MAY 1981
New Church at 3015 Roundelay Rd. Dedicated
JUNE 1985
Fr. John Grace
JULY 1990
Fr. John Kloepfer
SEPTEMBER 1991
Education & office wing built along with the Nott Homes
JUNE 1994
Fr. Kevin O'Brien
SEPTEMBER 2002
Fr. Jim Dorson
SEPTEMBER 2004
Construction finished on the new Nave and Chapel and changing old Nave into the parish hall and old chapel into a kitchen.
JULY 2008
Fr. Richard Mooney
FEBRUARY 2013
Msgr. Michael McCarron
JANUARY 2018
Regional Mass with Bishop Barry Knestout
SEPTEMBER 2018
Dedication of More Aid building, kitchen renovation, bell tower above nave.
NOVEMBER 2018
Reboot with Chris Stephanic
MARCH 2022
Completion of the Stained Glass in the Nave
JULY 2024
Fr. John Christian
Clearing to add an additional road and parking 1991.
Construction on the classroom expansion 1991.
View from Roundelay Rd. 1992.
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First Baptism at new church site 1980.
Construction on the Nave 1981
St. Thomas More Catholic Church Completed 1982
Fr. Kevin Obrien gives his homily in the original Nave.
Fr. John Kloepfer breaks ground on the classroom expansion 1991.
Completed Classroom Expansion 1992.
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