 |
New Visitor ? Give Online |
Jesus is the Cornerstone and we are the temple. As members of his body, each has used their God given talents to show their love for Christ. Our work is reflected in the history of St. Matthew United Methodist Church.
1955… Three acres of land were purchased by the East St. Louis District Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Methodist Church from Al Young, who also gave an additional acre to the fledgling church.
January 15, 1956...Reverend James Simms, District Board of Missions, conducted the services at Harmony School with a tiny congregation of thirty.
April 15, 1956…A mere three months later thirty Charter Members were inducted and an Affidavit of Organization was filed with St. Clair County Government. The name St. Matthew was selected by the members because “it’s good teaching.”
October 21, 1956…Reverend Kenneth Young, full time pastor, conducted the inaugural service in the new building on Moreland Drive named St. Matthew Methodist Church. The church services were conducted in a room now referred to as the Vine Café. The faithful members sat on wooden folding chairs and Kurrus Funeral Home supplied the cardboard fans. Also, the new building included the Brides Room, the Library and the Park Room.
Spring 1957...The original Parsonage was constructed.
1961-August 1965 …Reverend Bill Travelstead led St. Matthew United Methodist Church.
August 1965 …Revered Robert Souders began his 37 year tenure as the Senior Pastor. At this time the membership was at 56, by the time he retired in 2002 the membership had reached 1,764.
1968… The church broke ground for its third addition. A beautiful new Sanctuary was consecrated in
June 1969 that is presently referred to as the King Chapel.
1972...The St. Matthew Early Learning Center was developed to care for the many families in this area who need Christian child care.
