By Marnita Coleman
Special to the AFRO
Members of the faith community are still beaming with pride now that one of its most treasured pastors, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr., has officially retired after five decades of pastoring New Psalmist Baptist Church.
A son of Cherry Hill, Bishop Thomas has stood as a towering figure of faith, leadership and love, empowering disciples and shepherding generations with unwavering devotion.
Thomas says he never imagined his impact and legacy would reach the heights it has today.
“I was so excited about being able to preach and pastor that I did not think about the long-term future,” he told the AFRO. “I realized that if I handle the present correctly, the future would also take care of itself and reveal itself.”
On April 6 Bishop Thomas delivered his final pastoral message, bringing down the house in a spirit-filled crescendo, 50 years in the making.
Together with the love of his life, Lady Patricia Thomas, the Thomas family has blessed the New Psalmist community with a ministry rooted in service.
The final message was preceded by a variety of festivities, which began on Feb. 22 with the “Game On” event, an offering focused on men. The Original Blueprint Gala was attended by the likes of Bishop T.D. Jakes on March 28 at Martin’s West, and an unforgettable 50th Anniversary Concert took place on March 30. A moving tribute titled “This is 50,” honored the work of Bishop Thomas and his family via a documentary that tells their story from start to finish.
The April 4 premier of the film wasn’t just a retirement celebration—it was a victory parade for a living legend. Hundreds gathered, hearts full and eyes wide, ready to witness the powerful story of their cherished first family unfold on the big screen.
The film beautifully captures a family wholeheartedly surrendered to God, navigating the highs and lows with unwavering faith. It stands as a moving testament to divine calling, a reminder that when God appoints, he appoints entire families for his purpose.
In the documentary, friends, family and church members help bring to life the inspiring story of Walter Scott Thomas, Sr., a man who answered God’s call.
The story begins in Cherry Hill, where young Walter was shaped by his parents’ spiritual guidance. His leadership began to emerge in fourth grade through his involvement with the “159” school newspaper at The Historic Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School.
In 1973, Thomas demonstrated greater leadership as he received his calling to preach the word of God under the inspired guidance of the late Dr. Harold Carter, esteemed pastor of New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore. He was deeply captivated by Dr. Carter’s compelling presence and, like a devoted son, passionately sought to mirror his dynamic, soul-stirring style.
Aaron Stewart (left) and Angela Stewart pose at selfie station. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Bishop T.D. Jakes (left) and Lady Serena Jakes celebrate the work of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. and his wife, First Lady Patricia Thomas. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Cherese Johnson (left) and Patrick Johnson attend the March 28 celebration at Martin’s West in honor of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Shown here, Deaconess Barbara Earl, former leader and director of Wednesday Bible Study for New Psalmist Baptist Church. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Devron McCleod (left) with India McCleod make an appearance at the “The Original Blue Print” retirement party, held March 28. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Shown here, Apostle Leah White, founder of Sisters in Ministry. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Pam Limberry (left), a member of New Psalmist Baptist Church, enjoys the festivities with a friend, Rhonda Weston Truitt. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Rev Dr. Walter S. Thomas Jr. (left) and First Lady Jarrette Thomas arrive at Martin’s West for “The Original Blue Print” gala. Credit: Photos courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Pam Limberry 
Bishop Walter Thomas Sr. (center) takes in the moment with his daughter-in- law, First Lady Jarrette Thomas (left); his wife, former First Lady Patricia Thomas; his daughter Joi Thomas and daughter-in-law Candice Michelle Thomas (right). Credit: Photo courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr. 
Joshua Thomas (left) shares a moment with his father, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. Credit: Photo courtesy of Meta (Facebook)/ Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr.
Full-time ministry began in April 1975, when 25-year-old Rev. Thomas stepped into the pulpit at New Psalmist Baptist Church, then located at the corner of Druid Hill and West North Avenue. Just a year later, he married his soulmate and partner in purpose, Lady Patricia Thomas. She became his steady support, often “seeing what he couldn’t.”
Lady Thomas blended her background in social work with a natural gift for encouragement, bringing strength and clarity in every season. When she speaks, the wisdom just flows, calm, strong and exactly what’s needed.
Son and succeeding pastor, Rev. Dr. Walter Scott Thomas Jr., spoke on the influence of his mother.
“If it had not been for Patricia Thomas, there would be no New Psalmist,” he said.
In the film, Lady Patricia Thomas notes that she stood beside her husband,—not in front or behind. Their service to the community has always been about teamwork.
In 1978, New Psalmist moved from Druid Hill and West North Avenues to Cathedral and Franklin Streets. That’s when the explosive growth happened.
“There weren’t any other churches downtown,” Michelle Andrews said. She remembers walking from 36 South Charles and Lombard Streets to New Psalmist for Wednesday noonday prayer, then hurried to catch a cab back to the law firm where she worked, hoping no one would notice she was late returning from lunch.
“The church was packed,” she recalls. “I had not seen anything like it. The message was always spot-on, and Pastor Thomas was off-the-chain. He said things you never hear from a pulpit. It was refreshing.”
Bishop Thomas declared he has “devoted” his service and time to “fulfilling” that which was his purpose. He described his purpose as helping people discover the meaning of faith in their lives and the will of God for their lives.
“I feel as if I have really done that over these years and I have no regrets about the effort put in to make it happen. I don’t feel I have evolved in purpose, but I do feel as if I have evolved in the way that I live out my purpose,” Thomas said.
Throughout the documentary, the evolution of the Thomas family, the church and the community of New Psalmist is clear. Bishop and Lady Thomas have built a legacy for their children, grandchildren and church family.
Both sons, Walter, Jr. and Joshua are pastoring, while daughter Joi, is immersed in gospel music as choir director. Membership has grown from 200 to over 7,000 active congregants.
New Psalmist broke ground on April 7, 1996, relocating from Franklin and Cathedral Street to 4501-1/2 Old Frederick Road; a multimillion dollar worship center and ministry complex on 19 acres of land. In 2008, the church broke ground again for a move to 6020 Mariam Drive, a 4000 seat worship facility dubbed the “Holy City of Zion.”
Deacon Anthony Vaughn, vice chair of the Deacon Board, close friends and birthday brothers, spoke about the boldness of his Bishop.
“In 1985, then-Rev. Thomas took a bold step by organizing a free men’s breakfast at the Omni Hotel in downtown Baltimore to empower men and offer them hope through the gospel. Despite skepticism, even from within the religious community, over 600 men attended, and more than 100 gave their lives to Christ,” said Vaughn. “This event sparked the birth of a high-powered men’s ministry that continues to thrive today.”
Bishop Thomas said he doesn’t regret the decisions made in his five decades of leadership.
“If I had to do it over, I would still make the same choices,” he says. “I enjoy this work. I enjoy what I’ve been called to do and I’ve enjoyed my relationship with God in the process. It’s caused me to grow. It has caused me to understand life, and people.”
“I would not change it for any other career. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel this path. On this path, I met my wife, we had our children and we grew among some of the greatest people in the world!” said Bishop Thomas. “This is 50!”
For a comprehensive view of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.’s background, accomplishments, affiliations, books, executive mentorship and more, please visit NewPsalmist.org.