Phoenix to unveil street sign to honor late Bishop Alexis A. Thomas

PHOENIX — The Phoenix intersection of 14th and Jefferson streets will display a Bishop Alexis A. Thomas Street sign to honor the late church and community leader.

The ceremonial street sign will be unveiled Thursday at an event hosted by the Phoenix Street Transportation Department and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, according to a press release.

Thomas was born in Phoenix and was named Senior Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at 16 years old. He died at 50 years old in 2018.

The church grew from 250 to over 4,000 members under Thomas’ watch, and he was ordained as the Bishop of the State of Arizona in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in November 2003.

 

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Thomas also was the chairman of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition and co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Elder Jerry Barnes are among those who will give remarks at the ceremony.

A blue sign with white lettering will be mounted on the southeast traffic signal pole at the intersection.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with parking available in the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church parking lot.

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