Bishop Alexis Thomas Of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Dies At 50

PHOENIX, AZ – "Don't look at yourself negatively," Bishop Alexis Thomas implored his congregation at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church last summer. "God made you just like you look, think like you think, feel like you feel. He made you for the assignment he has for your life.

"Every day of your like you ought to get up and say thank you lord for I am adequate for the responsiblities that I have today."

Bishop Thomas, who was born in Phoenix 50 years ago and grew up to lead a church that went from 250 members to more than 3,000, died Thursday night. He leaves behind his wife, five children, a congregation that loved him, and a city that respected him.

He showed a love of the scripture early in his life and was preaching the gospel at seven-years-old. Nine years later, he was made senior pastor at Pilgrim Rest.

He was an active civil rights leader in the state for decades and helped lead many demonstrations against former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio who would be convicted of contempt of court for continuing patrols thad been deemed unconstitutional.

"Mourning the passing of Bishop Alexis Thomas," the Rev. Al Sharpton said Friday. "He helped me lead thousands in 2010 in Phoenix against Sheriff Arpaio's biased immigration laws."

He was the General Chairman of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition which he founded in 2001. He was also the co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix

Mayor Greg Stanton said that Thomas "was one of the greatest men I ever knew, and in so many ways he was the soul of our city. I am devastated by the news of his passing. He had a gift to see each person and reach each person as an individual. His sermons were incredible, like a work of art – funny, meaningful and relevant to the experiences we all endure.

"It is no wonder that his impact was felt far beyond the walls of the church."

Photo courtesy Pilgrim Baptist Church