SANDWICH, Mass. — The Rev. Dr. John H. Thomas, who was affiliated with Saint John's Episcopal Church in Sandwich Village for nearly 60 years, died peacefully on Nov. 18, 2016, in his home at 178 Main St. in Sandwich, Mass., surrounded by family.

Born Oct. 12, 1928, he was the eldest son and second child of George H. Thomas and Frances Grassow of Camden, Maine, who were widely known as faithful stewards of the Camden community.

Young John was a gifted sailor, drum major and student, so Judge W. Curits Bok generously offered to pay for his college education. John attended the University of Maine-Orono, and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

On June 13, 1947, John met the love of his life, Frances Graham of East Greenwich, R.I., on a blind date in Camden. They married on April 14, 1951.

Frances was a cradle Episcopalian and faithful congregant of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in East Greenwich; John started attending services with her after they were married. While working as an engineer at Stone & Webster, he began to experience a call to ordained vocation as an Episcopal priest. He attended the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Mass., and was ordained deacon by Bishop Frederic Lawrence on Trinity, 1958.

Six months later, he was ordained priest by Bishop Anselm Stokes and the Rev. John Thomas was dispatched as a diocesan vicar to the former Otis Air Force Base in the summer of 1959. In addition to his responsibilities on the base, John quickly became the de facto priest of Saint John's in Sandwich. The Wardens and Vestry called him to full-time ministry in 1969, and he was installed as the first rector of Saint John's by Bishop Stokes.

With the assignment to Saint John's came an offer to take up residence in the Rectory at 178 Main St. in Sandwich, where John and Fran raised five children of their own along with several foster children and many other children from the neighborhood. For nearly 60 years, the doors to 178 Main St. were always open to all people in any kind of need or trouble.

With Frances' constant support, "Father John" – as he was widely known – became a leading citizen of Sandwich and served in many civic capacities. He was the long-time chairman of the Sandwich Housing Authority and the leading advocate for affordable housing in Sandwich. He was a volunteer fireman, who also served as chaplain to the Sandwich Police and Fire departments. He was a leading voice in town meetings, and even served as emergency moderator by unanimous consent when the elected moderator was unexpectedly taken ill. John delivered the Invocation, or Benediction, at countless community gatherings and government functions across six decades. On June 27, 1993, he retired as rector of Saint John's and was afforded the honorific rector, emeritus, by Senior Warden John S. Jillson. The Sandwich Board of Selectman proclaimed that date "Rev. John H. Thomas Day in the Town of Sandwich.”

During his tenure as rector of Saint John's, he expanded the building and grounds, increased the rolls and registers, and became an important mentor to many curates and divinity students. He enthusiastically welcomed the Right Rev. Barbara Harris to Saint John's upon her elevation to the episcopacy, and served in myriad leadership roles in the Diocese of Massachusetts. Along with his soul friend, the Rev. Allen W. Swain, John was a transformational leader in the area of re-envisioning clergy roles in the emerging church.

A natural ecumenicist, John served several terms as chair as the Cape Cod Council of Churches and enjoyed warm personal relationships with the Pastor of Corpus Christi and the Minister of the First Church; these three clergy-persons kept a standing appointment to lunch together on Wednesdays and study the lectionary for the coming Sunday.

John completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1987; his dissertation addressed the struggles of congregation development through the lens of family. An outstanding candidate for the episcopate, John entertained several serious offers from other dioceses, but ultimately chose to continue his mission in Sandwich.

Deeply committed to the Jesus Tradition, John and Frances Thomas ministered to the poor and needy always. They were instrumental in bringing Food Pantry, Thrift Shop, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Gosnold addiction and mental health services to the upper Cape. He was particularly proud of his work hosting Alcoholics Anonymous at Saint John's.

Throngs of unhoused people – including refugees, abuse victims, draft dodgers, endangered children, and all those generally displaced or dispossessed – sheltered at 178 Main Street. The police, fire, and medical communities in Sandwich regularly told people who had nowhere to go to "go see Father John."

John and Frances Thomas were especially committed to the needs of children. Their work with children included founding the Sandwich Village Preschool, organizing Little League and other youth sports, and an especially prolific dedication to Boy Scouts, even establishing the Explorer Scouts program that would later become the national model. An avid outdoorsman and hiker, Father John Thomas was a cherished wilderness companion by all who joined him there.

Finally, John was a beloved patron of the arts. He was once referred to by a fellow-clergyman as "a Welshman and a fine singer." He founded the Cape Cod Chorale and spearheaded their overseas performances. He was unofficial town crier and founded the annual community carol sing. John and Frances Thomas funded music lessons for many young people and were great champions of music education in the Sandwich Public Schools; The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. John H. Thomas Award for Achievement in Music is given to young musicians by the people of Saint John's in their honor.

John was a progressive Christian who believed in the incarnational equality of all people, and his actions in the community always reflected his beliefs. He preached those beliefs from the pulpit of Saint John's and in the local media under the not-so-secret pen name "Joe Seagull." He was beloved by the congregation of Saint John's and the people of Sandwich for his unforgettable sense of humor and the joy, hope and wonder with which he greeted all people. He continued his ministry in Sandwich until his death.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Frances; and his elder sister, Margaret. He is survived by his sister, Harriet and her husband, John DeHoff, of Camden; Frances' siblings, Howard Graham of East Greenwich, R.I., and Gail and David Dent of San Francisco, Calif.; and the children and grandchildren of John and Frances Thomas, including John and Susan Thomas and their children, Jesse and Lindy, David and Colleen Thomas and their children, James, Scott and Katherine, Peter Thomas and his fiancée, Kirby, and his daughter Rachel, Jane Henry and her children, Graham (Jacquelyn) and Ian Ferrari, and Andrew.

Visitation: The Thomas Family will receive visitors on Friday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 178 Main St. in Sandwich Village.

Burial Office & Holy Communion: Saturday, Dec. 17, at 3:30 p.m. at Saint John's Episcopal Church, 159 Main St., Sandwich Village. The Right Rev. Roy F. Cederholm, Bishop Suffrgan Diocese of Massachusetts, presiding and preaching; the Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Ferguson, rector of Saint John's, celebrating.

Celebration of Life: Immediately following the funeral, there will be a gathering at 178 Main St. Refreshments provided; potluck dishes and libations graciously accepted. Festivities to follow. Everyone is welcome.