b. October 6, 1936

by the Rev. Paul Canady, Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC, 2016

The Rev. Dr. Patricia Menne Thomas served as Rector of Christ Church from 1999-2002. She was the first woman (and only, thus far) to hold the title. Pat’s time at Christ Church was, by most people’s accounting, a tumultuous period. While many in the parish thought Christ Church was prepared to break new ground by having a female rector, many were not.

As Pat reflected on her time at Christ Church, there was some remorse for giving up a prestigious position at the Washington National Cathedral. “I didn’t have to leave,” she said, “but I wanted the opportunity to be rector somewhere. I firmly believed that is what God was calling me to do.”

Pat put an emphasis on liturgy, and strengthening the understanding of why people gather to worship. “She was very diligent about proper liturgy,” said long-time member Ann Bustard. “She worked to get the Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, and Altar Guild on the same page.” Pat was very forward thinking for the time, too, and felt in the beginning of the new century and new millennium that it was time for the church to welcome all people, no matter where they were in life.

Many people who were at Christ Church during her tenure remember Pat with fondness. “Her presence was very significant to our parish family,” said David Cook. Ken McCotter says: “I believe God called Pat to Christ Church to challenge us and Pat, moving us beyond our comfort zones; and we all grew in faith. Pat fell in love with New Bern and continues her ministry in Eastern North Carolina and regularly attends Christ Church. Christ Church is a vibrant, energetic, and welcoming church.”

“Pat initiated a ten-year plan to get Christ Church ready for its 300th Anniversary in 2015,” noted Jane Merritt. “And when we started planning that year of celebrations, we were joyfully amazed at all of the items on that plan that we accomplished. She deserves a lot of credit for that!”

Prior to coming to New Bern, Pat served at the Washington National Cathedral as Canon Presenter (1996-1999), Canon to the Ordinary (1992-1996) and St. Columba’s (1984-1992) in the Diocese of Washington (DC). After her time at Christ Church, she continued to serve the Diocese of East Carolina in various capacities: Assistant Rector at St. Paul’s, Greenville; Priest-in-Charge at Holy Innocents, Seven Springs; and as both short and long-term supply in numerous parishes. She currently serves at St. Cyprian’s in New Bern.

Born in Evanston, IL, in 1936, she received her M.Div (1979) and her D. Min. (1988) from Virginia Theological Seminary.