Picture this. You are standing before Saint Matthews United Methodist Church in Houston. Its history unfolds before your very eyes.
This isn’t just a church. It’s a living testament to faith community and growth. It began humbly in 1943 as Garden Oaks Methodist Church. Services were held in a civic club building. Membership quickly grew to 135 people. Imagine Sunday school in that small space. One adult class even met in an old school bus.
In 1947 a significant change happened. The name shifted to St Matthews Methodist Church. The congregation moved to its current location at 4300 North Shepherd Drive. A second unit was added in 1949 showcasing rapid expansion.
The 1950s brought even more impressive changes. A new educational wing opened in 1953. Air conditioning was added a luxury at the time. By 1954 membership soared to 1372. A new sanctuary became necessary. Architect C A Johnson and Associates designed it. The groundbreaking was in 1958. The old sanctuary became the Fellowship Hall. Services temporarily moved to Garden Oaks Elementary School. The new sanctuary opened in November 1958.
The years that followed witnessed continued growth. A garden club beautified the grounds. A new educational building was added. A parsonage was purchased. In 1968 the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged. St Matthews became St Matthews United Methodist Church. A Mother’s Day Out program started offering childcare. A pipe organ was installed in 1980.
In 1989 St Matthews partnered with MANNA a community outreach program. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2018. It supported the establishment of Abiding Faith United Methodist Church. In 2015 the church welcomed its first African Caribbean American female pastor Rev Virginia Wall. She continues the church’s mission of service and outreach.
St Matthews United Methodist Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place of worship a community hub a testament to enduring faith. It continues to serve the Garden Oaks area and beyond. The church’s legacy is one of growth adaptation and unwavering dedication. It’s a story written in faith service and love a story that continues to unfold.