In 1904, the Vincentians accepted an invitation from Bishop Thomas Heslin to establish a mission in Long Beach, acquiring 40 acres that included our present church site. Fr. Daniel Hurley supervised construction of the first chapel, named St. Thomas in honor of the bishop, along with St. Thomas Villa to house vacationing priests.  

A larger Gothic church with 13 altars was soon built, and it was dedicated by Bishop Heslin on July 19, 1905. As Long Beach's population grew, so did the parish. The first Catholic school began on a private residence's back porch and in the back of the church. In 1922, a proper school and convent opened, with the Daughters of Charity arriving to teach for over sixty years.

The hurricane of 1947 brought waves to the church steps but spared the building. However, on August 17, 1969, Hurricane Camille destroyed the church beyond repair. The iconic image of Fr. Francis O'Malley celebrating Mass beside the rubble of the "Church of the Thirteen Altars" was broadcast nationally, prompting an outpouring of support including a telegram from President Nixon.

After three years of Masses in the school gym, Bishop Joseph B. Brunini dedicated the new pyramid-shaped church on August 20, 1972. This distinctive structure became a landmark for Gulf Coast fishermen and boaters.

By the 1990s, the parish served over 1,000 families. In 1993, the Diocese of Biloxi assumed stewardship from the Vincentians, with Fr. Louis Lohan as the first diocesan pastor. The parish continued growing, reaching 1,600 families by 2005.

Hurricane Katrina devastated the community on August 29, 2005, with 25-foot tidal waves destroying the church, school, rectory, and community hall. Only steel beams and upper church portions remained. The Knights of Columbus generously purchased a local skating rink, which served as temporary church, school, and offices while reconstruction began.

After years in temporary facilities, groundbreaking for the new St. Vincent de Paul School occurred in 2007, followed by the church groundbreaking in 2009. The new St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church was formally dedicated on February 11, 2011, featuring seating for 700+, a community center, and administrative offices.

Through faith, sacrifice, and worldwide support, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish continues to thrive in Long Beach at 720 East Beach Boulevard, carrying forward the vision of Long Beach's early Catholic residents with enthusiasm, faith, hope, and love.