CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
REVEREND
ANGUS THOMPSON
FOUNDING PASTOR,
NEW JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
SUNRISE: FEBRUARY 13, 1939 | SUNSET: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
FOUNDING PASTOR, NEW JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
SUNRISE: FEBRUARY 13, 1939
SUNSET: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Reverend Angus B. Thompson, born February 13, 1939, in Kilgore, Texas, was a devoted civic and religious leader whose life was defined by service, faith, and a deep commitment to justice. From his early days as a student-athlete to his decades of leadership in education, community development, and ministry, Rev. Thompson left an enduring mark on every life he touched.
Early Life, Education, and Military Service
Rev. Thompson received his early education in Kilgore, Texas. He began his high school journey at Booker T. Washington High School, in Wichita Falls, where he played football under the legendary coach Ervin Garnett. He later returned to Kilgore to graduate from C.B. Dansby High School in 1958, earning the distinction of salutatorian. He enrolled at Midwestern State University, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, but in true ABT fashion, he chose the Navy instead. He served honorably during the Vietnam Conflict, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
During his time in the military, Rev. Thompson met Shirley Houston, the love of his life. They married in 1964 in Lufkin, Texas, and the Lord blessed them with four beautiful children: Renate, Yolanda, Omar, and Monica.
Career and Civic Leadership
Rev. Thompson’s professional journey began at Region 9 Education Center, where his mentor, Dr. McBride, then Director of the center, recognized his leadership potential. Upon McBride’s resignation, Rev. Thompson was appointed interim director. While serving Region 9, he joined the board of Community Action Corporation (CAC) North Texas, an agency dedicated to supporting underserved populations. Rising through the ranks, Rev. Thompson became Executive Director, a role he held for 34 years. Under his leadership, CAC opened the first area food bank, expanded vital programs such as HeadStart, Meals on Wheels, and housing services, and championed recovery support and transitional housing.
Rev. Thompson’s passion for social justice was unwavering. Even while leading CAC, he remained deeply involved in grassroots organizing. His work was never confined to boardrooms. He marched, protested, and preached for equality, even in the face of threats to his safety. These efforts laid the foundation for his political career, where he served 12 years as District 2 City Councilman, including 8 years as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Rev. Thompson’s civic contributions were transformative. He helped establish the MLK Center, fought discriminatory hiring practices, and played a key role in developing the Softball Complex, Kay Yeager Coliseum, and Wichita Falls’ waterfall. He advocated for the construction and lighting of the Emanuel M. Davis Overpass, improving transportation access for Eastside residents. He also supported improvements to the Downtown Library and Red River water treatment initiatives. Appointed by former Governor Preston Smith to the inaugural Texas Human Relations Commission, he also served on the boards of the Community Healthcare Center and Public Broadcasting in Wichita Falls, and was honored to deliver the opening prayer at the State Capitol.
Ministry and Community Impact
Rev. Thompson’s spiritual journey was central to his life. He sought the Lord earnestly and understood that true service required divine guidance. With the revelation that God had a calling on his life, he first pastored Macedonia Baptist Church in Quanah, Texas, for five years before founding New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. This ministry was born from a vision to serve the community more deeply.
Under his leadership, New Jerusalem became more than a place of worship—it became a beacon of transformation. He launched Operation Fresh Start, which revitalized neighborhoods, renovated homes, and restored dignity to families in need. The church provided food and clothing distribution, installed air conditioning for seniors, and ensured children received holiday gifts and shoes. He was passionate about no one in the community feeling forgotten. Rev. Thompson believed that ministry must meet people where they are, and he empowered his congregation to be the hands and feet of Christ in every corner of the city.
Also under his guidance, New Jerusalem Baptist Church partnered with WFISD through a robust school adoption program, supporting six campuses: Legacy High School, Hirschi Middle School, Kirby Middle School, Booker T. Washington, Scotland Park, and Kate Burgess Elementary. Volunteers mentored students, assisted teachers, and organized seasonal drives tailored to each school’s needs. A cornerstone initiative was the Back-to-School Backpack Program, which provided backpacks filled with school supplies. This program, often paired with clothing and coat drives, was spearheaded by Rev. Thompson to ensure every child felt seen, supported, and prepared.
A memorial scholarship celebrating the life of Rev. Thompson and honoring his passion for supporting students in WFISD.
Rev. Thompson believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities. This scholarship was established to celebrate his life and legacy, and to honor his lifelong dedication to nurturing the passions and potential of students within the WFISD.
Through this fund, his family aims to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students who have demonstrated a sincere desire to pursue higher education. Their hope is that, through this scholarship, Rev. Thompson’s enduring spirit of service and support will continue to impact lives and inspire future generations throughout the Wichita Falls community.
“EVERY child deserves
the chance to go college.”
— Rev. Angus Thompson