St. Thomas Episcopal Church

The original portion of St. Thomas Episcopal Church was completed in January 1916, approximately four months after the articles of incorporation were filed and the name of the church chosen. This original portion of the church was estimated to cost $12,000 and prior to its completion, services were held in the Menasha public library. An existing residence north of the new church was utilized as a combined rectory and parish hall and a gym/meeting hall addition was made in 1921.

By 1955, attendance rendered it necessary to tear down the parish house and build a new, larger facility. On 28 February 1961, fire seriously damaged the west (altar end) of the nave of the church and services were temporarily held in the Neenah theater building. Following damage assessment, it was determined that a new church, or a significant addition, was needed to fulfill the needs of the congregation. After reviewing a number of design options, Harry Weese & Associates of Chicago was chosen as the architect and groundbreaking for the new church occurred on 12 August 1962. Witnessing the erection of the 120-foot spire (which was fabricated in Fond du Lac) was cited as a major community event.  Since its inception in 1915, the church served both Neenah and Menasha Episcopalians.  Following construction of the new $370,000 facility (dedicated in June 1963), it truly serves both communities just by virtue of its location, as the main entrance is located in the City of Neenah, while the nave is in the City of Menasha.