St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Franklin Indiana

05/31/2026

05/16/2026

It was a busy weekend at 600 Paul Hand Blvd., as our beloved St. Thomas Clinic celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding with a fun party in Halladay Hall. The Rev. Dr. Judy Culpepper (left), the clinic's founding medical director, returned to celebrate with staff, volunteers and supporters. Pictured are current Medical Director Dr. Joseph Kenny, Fr. Whitney Smith with Executive Director Terresa Branham (center right) and parishioners Julie Stogsdill, Elspeth Mirchandani and Marilyn Thompson. Congratulations, St. Thomas Clinic on 30 years! -- Fr. Whitney

05/16/2026

St. Thomas proudly presented three candidates for Confirmation and one for Reception on Saturday, May 16th at the Diocesan Regional Service at Christ Church Cathedral. Confirmands were (clockwise) Zuma Alexander, Riley Hawk (seen here with his mom, Kari Hawk) and Natalie Smith. Daylanne Sheehan (lower right) was received into the Episcopal Church. This year's St. Thomas Confirmation Class was a family affair, with Daylanne and Zuma being grandmother and granddaughter, and Riley and Natalie, brother and sister. Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows preached and presided. I love teaching confirmation classes, and I'm glad to have had the privilege of working with these folks. -- Fr. Whitney

05/05/2026

The Burial Office for longtime St. Thomas parishioner Bonnie Johnson will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11th in the church, followed by internment of ashes in the Memorial Garden. Bonnie, who worshipped at St. Thomas for more than 50 years, died on Tuesday, April 28th at Otterbein Senior Care at the age of 83.

Born on September 23, 1942 in Franklin, Indiana, to Owen and Catherine (Bass) Johnson, Bonnie is survived by brother-in-law David Beck, niece Abby Beck, great-nephew Lukas Stewart and several other nieces and a nephew. For many years, Bonnie taught French and English at Keystone Middle School in Perry Township. She received her Bachelor's degree from Franklin College and her Master's degree from Indiana University.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Clinic or to the Johnson County Humane Society. Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

04/30/2026

It's been such a joy and privilege to have served with all of you as your Rector at St. Thomas, Franklin, these past 6 1/2 years. The years have flown by quickly, and I will miss you dearly. Every blessing for continuing growth, meaningful mission work and radical welcome in the next chapter. -- Fr. Whitney

The Rev. Whitney Smith is retiring from St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Franklin and his last Sunday will be on May 24.

Gracious God, we thank you for the work and witness of your servant who has enriched this community and brought gladness to friends and family; now bless and preserve him at the time of transition. Amen

04/28/2026

I'm very sorry to report that longtime St. Thomas parishioner Bonnie Johnson passed away early on the morning of Tuesday, April 28th, at Otterbein Senior Life after a long illness. She was 83 years old. A career educator, Bonnie was especially known as a teacher of French. A member of St. Thomas for more than 50 years, she was on the leadership team when our building was constructed in the late 1960s. Her passing comes just three months after the death of her sister, Shirley Beck. Arrangements for Bonnie are pending, and more details will be announced as they become available. May light perpetual shine upon her, and may she rest in peace.
-- Fr. Whitney

04/18/2026

Thanks to this seven-member delegation from St. Thomas, Franklin, for taking part in the Diocesan Leadership Day on Saturday, April 18th. Our group included (from left to right) Junior Warden Ryan Craft-Rutan, Senior Warden Karen Smith, and Vestry members Wilma McDermott and Valerie Scaggs, as well as Deacon Karen Racer Sullivan, Bro. Joshua Craft-Rutan, and Sean Sullivan.