HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEW
CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PREFACE

Dear Beloved in Christ:

The dream once envisioned by Reverend William Ferguson, Lonnie Eubanks and Monroe Thompson back in 1918 has traversed the course of seven decades. Now as the St. Matthew family draws nigh the threshold of the Twenty First Century, she can pose as the portals of the present, look back in retrospect over the past eighty nine years, and say with soul sententious sincerity: “Lord I thank you cause you brought us from a mighty long way.”

A rich legacy has been left to the spiritual siblings and progenies by the fore parents of the St. Matthew Faith Fellowship. Many a goal has been accomplished; many a ministerial milestone has been reached since the founders day of 1918. Assuredly, the generosity of God’s goodness and mercy continues to follow the efforts of this congregation. Even after having resided at the present location, 2944 N. 9th Street, for some 49 years, St. Matthew CME has not strayed from the paths of Divine direction; and it is apparent that she persists in pressing toward the Mark of the Prize of the High Calling in Christ Jesus.

I, your Servant Pastor, applaud God, first, for the marvelous things God has done in the life of this congregation and give God the glory. Secondly, for the love, fortitude and commitment manifest in the hearts and minds of the saints at St. Matthew. I offer prayers and petitions for continued strength and passion for every labor and endeavor in ministry for years to come.

Yours in the Master’s Service,
Reverend Richard Shaw, Pastor

ST. MATTHEW CME CHURCH HISTORY

St. Matthew had its beginning in 1918 as a result of a vision of Reverend W.S. Ferguson, our first Pastor, presiding under Bishop M.F. Jamison, Lonnie Eubanks, Monroe Thompson, C.E. Menninger, and Laura Maughum.

In September, 1920, St. Matthew moved to 538 West Walnut Street, where the church remained for 38 years, steadily increasing in population.

Under the pastorates of such men as W. S. Ferguson, S.W. Samples, W.H. Parker, W.M. Crain, G.W. Goodwin, J.T. Cochran, R.H. Anderson, G.S. Smith, J.W. Barnett, N.H. Rhodes, H.C. Coggins, W.J.G. McLin, B.S. Gregg, W. Smith, J.C. Clay, D. L. Fitten and its present Pastor, Richard Shaw, St. Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has prospered and experienced a steady growth.

Many great names have served the pastorate of this great church, but none so far has been as prominent as that of B.S. Gregg, who came to St. Matthew in October, 1960. Reverend Gregg found a great challenge, among them being a $50,000 plus mortgage. Under his direction, on August 30, 1964, the mortgage was met. Shortly afterwards, the church was completely redecorated and a $35,000 parking lot was added. The original $72,000 investment in the church now had an increased value of more than $185,000. Under the pastorate of Reverend Gregg, two additional churches then were established in Milwaukee: Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and St. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

St. Matthew is proud of its rich heritage and its Christian influence in the community and in the National C.M.E. connection. It was instrumental in the civil rights marches of the 60’s and 70’s and presently sponsors brain-storming breakfasts where many community problems are dealt with and discussed.

Throughout its history, St. Matthew has worked to live up to its calling as a home where the saints of God can put their gifts and talents to work.