The St. Matthew Baptist Church rose from its humble beginning in the year of our Lord 1921, over ninety years ago and now towers as a high oak tree in the twenty-first century!

 

            The organizer, Rev. S. Henderson, had a vision that was actualized with an organizational meeting in August 1921 at the home of Sister Lizzie Wallace, and a total of eight members graced the first church roll.  Realizing that no organization is complete without workers, the first Deacons were Wash Williams, Matthew Davis, and Lee Burnham.  The first officers elected were as follows:

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Church Clerk – Azalee Thomas

Mission President – Fannie Davis

Sunday School Superintendent – Matthew Davis

Sunday School Secretary – Lizzie Wallace

Church Treasurer – Bell Williams

Sunday School Treasurer – Alberta Burnham

 

            These loyal members held the fort until re-enforcements came. There were a sizeable number of members on the church roll when the first pastor, Rev. P.E. Castle, was called. Rev. Castle pastored for two years.  Succeeding him were Rev. T. H. Henderson of Dallas, and Rev. W. M. Fennell of Hearne. Under Rev. Fennell’s leadership the membership greatly increased in number and spirituality.

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Since this was the era of segregation, St. Matthew, as well as Washington Chapel, was utilized as a grammar (elementary) school for children who lived in the area. In approximately 1941, the church was relocated to donated pasture land on the country road that is now Holleman Drive. Following the construction of the Lincoln High School, the St. Matthew sanctuary was the site of many baccalaureate services for graduating seniors.

 

            The fourth pastor was Rev. S. M. Murphy of Hearne who had the honor of pastoring longer than any of his predecessors. Death drew the curtain on his illustrious ministry in 1960, and Rev. M. L. Williams who served for sixteen years succeeded him. The next pastor was Rev. M. E. Wells who served for four years.

 

            In 1980 the Lord blessed St. Matthew with our current pastor, Rev. Dr. M. O. Cooper.  Over the past 30+ years under his leadership, more than 60 preachers have been called to the ministry---many of whom are now pastors throughout the United States. The church’s membership has steadily grown, with many students attending Texas A&M University joining under the Watch Care ministry.

 

            Many physical improvements have been made to maintain and upgrade our house of worship making it comfortable and hospitable to all who attend.   Just as the leadership and members are diligent in attending to the physical facilities of the church, much emphasis is also placed on the spiritual needs and growth of St. Matthew.  The various teaching ministries include

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Sunday School; Pastor’s Bible study; Brotherhood and Senior and Junior Women’s ministries.  St. Matthew has very active Music and Youth ministries, and an orientation is provided to new members to introduce them to the Mission, beliefs, and ministries of the church.

 

             In 2006 St. Matthew was one of the organizing members of the Greater Friendship District Association with Pastor Cooper serving as the first Dean of the Congress of Christian Workers.  In 2010 he was succeeded in this position when he was elected Second Vice Moderator, and in 2013 became Vice Moderator.

 

            St. Matthew is supportive and involved in addressing the needs of the community and became a member church of the Brazos Church Pantry, providing regular financial and volunteer support for needy families in the Brazos Valley.  Support to other community services such as the Texas Department of Family and Children’s Services, Phoebe’s Home, Twin City Mission, and the Prenatal Clinic are given through the various Ministries of the church.

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On July 26, 2018 St. Matthew was designated a Historical Building by the City of College Station Historic Preservation Committee and received a Historic Marker which was dedicated and Unveiled at the 96th Church Anniversary and Homecoming service on October 14. 2018.

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In March 2020 in-person worship services were suspended in accordance with mandates and guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Church Leadership decided to "live stream" services the following Sunday to avoid any interruption in services. As the pandemic became more long-term, the leadership began to develop a plan to address the present and future technological needs of the church. Within a short time God Sent an "angel" to St. Matthew --- Brother David Swanson, a member of Grace Bible Church ---who offered his expertise to assist the leadership in assessing and providing guidance for installing equipment to meet the church's audio-visual needs.   

The  Ushers room was modified to become the media room and services are lived streamed each Sunday. In-person services resumed the first Sunday in April 2022. Additionally, the church's security system and website have been upgraded.

 

            Many of the old warriors who were involved in the founding and early growth and development of St. Matthew have now gone to glory, but they have left a strong spiritual foundation and legacy from which their successors, under Pastor Cooper’s leadership, can continue to build on.