St Thomas Thrift Shop

Saint Thomas of Canterbury was started in January of 1980 by 10 people who wanted an Episcopal Church in the Temecula Valley. They began meeting in each other’s homes until they found space in an old tin building in Temecula. They called it Saint Timothy's. Originally they discussed naming their church St. Timothy’s but then decided on Saint Thomas the Apostle. In 2002, the name was officially changed to Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Father Jim Gunn, the Rector of St. Andrew’s in Lake Elsinore, conducted the early services. Several priests followed Father Gunn including Father Ben Orozco, Father Todd Sorenson, Father Ed Renner, Father Charles Sturm, Father Sean Cox, Father Charles Rines and currently, Father Robert Nagy.

In the ensuing years, the church moved to many locations including a Catholic church, the water district offices, a school auditorium and two commercial buildings. In the mid 80’s, it was decided that a place of our own was needed. A piece of property on Ynez Road was purchased and a building committee was established. In the following years, this property was sold, there were other building committees formed and finally after almost 25 years of dreaming, working and praying, we bought our present property and plans to build our own church were finally realized. In 2010, the church completed construction on this beautiful building which houses the church and preschool.

Outreach to the community and our church family has always been a priority at Saint Thomas. In the early 80’s, one of our members bought and donated a thrift shop to the church. Over the years, the shop has grown by leaps and bounds, moved four times to larger locations and now offers not only clothing but books, household items and furniture. It has also provided scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Four years ago, the preschool was opened where a loving and Christian environment is provided for small children in the community. The preschool is enjoying a considerable amount of growth with the move to the new building.

Fellowship is another vital part of Saint Thomas that is enjoyed by all. Over the years, we have sponsored a community golf tournament, provided refreshments for the Temecula Christmas Parade, hosted autumn carnivals, summer picnics, Christmas teas, thrift shop fashion shows, Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers and Christmas greening of the church. Our weekly refreshments following Sunday services provide a time to get together with friends.

Saint Thomas of Canterbury offers an array of worship experiences with three Sunday services, a midweek service on Wednesday evenings and numerous bible studies along with an active youth group. We also have several special services throughout the year including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Blessing of the Animals. All of this helps meet the needs of those seeking to enrich their spiritual lives.

Here at Saint Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church we welcome all pets & their well behaved owners at any of our services, in addition to our
Annual Blessing of the Animals!