Founded in 1900 St. Matthew Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Imagine a small group of believers their voices echoing in prayer services on Grant Hill. Their unwavering devotion laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the North Charleston community.
St Matthew Baptist Church started humbly. Prayer services continued until 1908. The group moved to Johnson Street using first one then two rooms of a house. Their growing numbers necessitated a larger space. The meeting place became known as Mission Chapel. Then under the leadership of Reverend Frank Guest and devout men like Broughton Mitchell and others they flourished.
In 1920 a significant step forward occurred. Members purchased land on Huger Street. There they built St. Matthew Baptist Church a physical manifestation of their spiritual growth. The church thrived under Reverend Guest’s guidance until his passing in 1927. Reverend A W Wright continued the legacy until 1939.
Then came Reverend Benjamin J Whipper Sr. He served from 1940 to 1997. His tenure saw remarkable achievements. The church burned its mortgage a symbol of financial stability. A Boy Scout Troop one of the oldest and largest Black troops in Charleston was established. An auditorium was constructed. The original building fund drive completed in 1952 showed the community’s strong support.
St Matthew wasn’t just a place of worship it was a center for social action. It was a meeting place for early Civil Rights strategy sessions with Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. It also hosted a Head Start Program and tutorial programs. The church played a vital role in the community’s development and education.
In 2000 Reverend Dr Clinton Brantley was installed as pastor. A major milestone happened. The former Charleston Heights Baptist Church was purchased. This became the new home for St Matthew Baptist Church on Reynolds Avenue. Under his leadership a food bank and dental clinic were established. The church continued its outreach programs. This included the Metanoia Community Development Corporation’s after-school program.
Reverend Calbert R Brantley became pastor in 2019. He led the church through the COVID-19 pandemic using virtual services and meetings. He oversaw major renovations to the building. Life group study sessions were introduced replacing traditional Sunday school and Bible study. Today St. Matthew Baptist Church continues its rich legacy of faith community service and outreach. It remains a beacon of hope and a vital part of North Charleston’s tapestry.