St. Matthew AME Church

Whispers of freedom once echoed within the walls of St. Matthew AME Church. Here in Detroit, before the Civil War’s fury, St. Matthew’s wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from slavery’s chains. Founded in 1846, above a blacksmith’s shop, St. Matthew AME Church stands as one of the nation’s oldest historically Black congregations. Even before Harriet Tubman’s courageous escapes and Lincoln’s presidency, this church played a vital role in the Underground Railroad. Members bravely helped slaves escape across the Detroit River to freedom in Canada. William Lambert, known as “the father of St. Matthew’s,” led the Colored Vigilant Committee. This group worked tirelessly to provide aid to those fleeing slavery. They raised funds, offered food, clothing, medical care, and even legal representation. They hid freedom seekers in barns and guided them across the river under the cover of darkness. This was incredibly dangerous work, especially after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This act imposed harsh penalties on anyone who assisted runaway slaves, causing many to flee to Canada for safety. St. Matthew AME Church itself faced hardship. The congregation dwindled, and the building was eventually sold. However, the mission was revived in the 1880s. St. Matthew’s continued its legacy of social activism, becoming a meeting place for the NAACP and playing a role in the pivotal 1925 trial of Dr. Ossian Sweet. His acquittal was a landmark victory for civil rights. The church also fostered a relationship with Henry Ford, leading to employment opportunities for African Americans during the Great Migration. The church even hosted Marian Anderson’s first Detroit concert in 1926, a testament to its cultural significance. In 1971, St. Matthew’s merged with St. Joseph’s Church, carrying its history and commitment to social justice into a new era. St. Matthew AME Church’s history was largely oral until a time capsule, unearthed in 1998, revealed documented evidence of its crucial role in the Underground Railroad. In 2015, the church’s contribution to the fight for freedom was officially recognized by the National Park Service, solidifying its place in American history. St. Matthew AME Church stands not just as a building, but as a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom and equality.