As early as 1797, Church documents indicate Baptisms among Episcopalians residing within "Hancocktown," as the community named for Joseph Hancock was first called. Records of regular Episcopal services do not begin until 1829. In that year, The Reverend Leonard H. Johns, Rector of Emmanuel Church (Founded 1803), Cumberland, reported an agreement. He would conduct services in Hancock on alternate weeks with those at Emmanuel. The Priest made his trips on horseback over the Old National Pike (today US Route 40 and Interstates 68 and 70).

In 1832, Mr. Johns noted he was now officiating twice a month at Hancock and Clear Spring with good attendance. "But," he wrote, "there is still a great deal of wickedness among many of these charges." Nevertheless, growth continued and in 1835 the Parish was duly recognized by the convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and named St. Thomas', for one of the twelve apostles of the Lord.

The Reverend John Delaplane was called as the first official Rector. Work had already begun on the Church building and was completed before Winter. The Original brick Church stands to this day and greets all who pass up and down the steep hill known as Church Street. Particularly intriguing to most is the fact that the Church served as a Hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Women from the Congregation and town nursed the wounded within the Nave itself. Thus, St. Thomas' has a long and proud History of reaching out in Christ's name to all people, especially those in any need or trouble.

The Parish Hall was not erected until 1932, a generous memorial to the father of the Rector, Reverend J. Moulton Thomas. Its interior was significantly expanded in 1981-82. The historic Church itself remains true to its early graceful design. Striking stained glass windows have been added over the years. The Church has a fine tradition in music and boasts a devoted Choir and a modest but lovely M.P. Moller pipe organ. The parish emphasizes Christian education for both children and adults and is proud of its strong Sunday School program.

Generations of Episcopalians from Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have worshipped and loved the lord in this place for over 150 years. Today, approximately 250 tri-state area families look to a lively and growing St. Thomas' as their spiritual home.