Founding Years (1978–1981)

Most Blessed Sacrament Church was formally established in Arlington, Texas on August 16, 1978. The first Mass was celebrated on October 15, 1978 at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend James Gillespie served as the first pastor until his retirement in 1981.

Rev. James Gillespie

First Pastor from 1978–1981. Led the parish during its founding years.

Growth and Expansion (1981–1996)

Rev. Msgr. Hubert J. Neu became pastor in April 1981 and served until 1996. Oversaw construction of:

• Main Church Building (completed 1982)
• Parish Hall & Education/Administration areas (completed 1991)

Rev. Msgr. Hubert J. Neu

Pastor from 1981–1996. Guided major construction projects including the main church and parish hall.

Major Development Era (1996–2016)

Rev. Msgr. Joseph S. Scantlin served as pastor from 1996 to 2016. Key accomplishments:

• Family Life Center (30,000 sq. ft.) completed in 2003
• Baptismal Font installed in March 2005
• New Chapel (3,000+ sq. ft.) completed in May 2011

Honored as Monsignor on June 15, 2008 by Bishop Kevin Vann. Continues to serve as Priest in Residence.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph S. Scantlin

Pastor from 1996–2016. Oversaw major development projects and continues as Priest in Residence.

Recent Leadership (2016–Present)

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pemberton served as pastor from 2016 until retirement on June 30, 2024. Dedicated 47 years to ministry across 12 parishes, with 8 years at MBS.

Rev. Fr. Binoy Kurian, TOR began as pastor on July 1, 2024. Previously served as Hospital Chaplain for the Diocese of Fort Worth (2022–2024).

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pemberton

Pastor from 2016–2024. Retired after decades of service to the Diocese.

Rev. Fr. Binoy Kurian, TOR

Current Pastor since July 2024.

Clergy and Vocations

Past associate pastors: Rev. Christopher Davis, O.S.B.; Rev. James Lo Presto, S.D.S.; Rev. Ivor Koch; Rev. Joseph Tu; Rev. Gary Geurtz.

Deacons: Past – Ed Bowden, Frank Eschbach, Jim Blackmore, Joe Ramos. Current – Michael Krempp (since 2007), Willy Montano (since 2014), Guillermo Munoz (ordained 2024).

Seminarians trained here: Stanley Hadsell (1983), Ivor Koch (1984), John Gremmels (1988–91), John Robert Skeldon (1998–99).

Website History

First design created in 2002 by Warren Mitchell; launched in July 2003. Maintained by Terry Johnson for 10 years; current design supported by eCatholic.com.