St. Matthew United Methodist Church

About

The Early History Of St. Matthew UMC

St. Matthew Church rises as a dream and symbol of one man’s desires and hopes to see another church in this community. Rev. John R. Jackson, an elder of Mt. Zion Church, discovered a new community that was being started near Linconia, PA. He felt that this was a good opportunity to start at least a Sunday School and eventually a church in this community. He secured a vacant house and started his project with five children. St. Paul’s Mission was a new project started June, 1951.

In 1953, the name was changed to St. Matthew’s Mission. A lot, located at Linconia & Master Sts., was purchased for $500.00 and deeded to the Delaware Conference. A temporary building which was quite dilapidated, was being used for the services. The loyal and sincere pastor, Rev. J. R. Jackson, had done his best to make this mission a vital force in the life of the community, but was not able to erect a building. Rev. Jackson’s labor was brought to the attention of the Delaware Methodist Conference, which in December, 1957, purchased two and one half lots at the corner of Paris Avenue & Somerton Road.

A young man, Rev. James L. McClendon, was appointed the task of organizing and building, with the help of the conference and community,

A Church For All People.

In honor or Rev. Jackson’s labor, the new church was to be called “St.
Matthew’s Community Methodist Church.”

In the month of May, 1958, at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Coates, the first services were conducted. For the next year and a half, services were conducted in various homes. It was then moved to a building, known as the Delphine Hotel on Buffalo Avenue. Later, a tent was loaned by the officials of the Roosevelt Cemetery. On March 14, 1959, a day long to be remembered, the ground breaking service was held with Bishop Edgar Love presiding. Christmas Eve, December 24, 1959, the first Candle Light Service was held in the nearly completed church. The people of St. Matthew’s had their official opening of the church on February 14, 1960 @ 3:45 P.M