Saint Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church History

"THE SERVANT CHURCH OF THE ORANGES"

A small group of public and spirit minded male citizens known as the J. Garfield Tynes Men's Club was organized on May 14, 1941 to render a more efficient type of Christian service in the community. The members were Gardner Smith, Chairman, Charles Congleton, E.L. Edmonson, David Beasley, William Reed, Nolan Dunn, William Weaks, Walter Davis, Clarence Lee, James Carraway and John Boykin. On June 12, 1942, the ladies united with the men and out of this union came the Unity Circle.

In the fall of 1942, the club took on a new aspect, and it was decided to form a new church in the Oranges. "To the Glory of God and the African Methodist Episcopal Church." With this in mind, the St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1942 in the home of Mr. Gardner Smith by the Reverend Thomas L. Puryear.

The first service was held November 15, 1942 in the St. Luke's Hall, 148 Central Place, Orange, and the first pastor was the late Thomas Puryear, appointed by Bishop David Simms at the 71st Annual Conference. The Rev. Puryear's sermon was "What Is Your Life and Responsibility of a Christian in a Confused World"? The church continued to grow and necessitated larger quarters, and the congregation moved to Masonic Temple at 89 Parrow Street, Orange, on December 31, 1942. The first anniversary service was celebrated at the now destroyed YMCA with Bishop Simms as the guest speaker on November 21, 1943. Services continued until 1944.

On Saturday, October 15, 1944, the congregation moved into the spacious dwelling which is now the parsonage, where services were held for seven and one half years. Here phenomenal success in fundraising enabled construction for the present site, which was begun in 1951 and completed in 1952 under the dynamic leadership of the Rev. Thomas Puryear. In 1953 the carpet was laid and the organ installed. His pastorate was from 1942 until 1954.

On Sunday, May 2, 1954, The Rev. James C. Choice was appointed as pastor by Bishop Decator W. Nichols. Under Rev. Choice's administration, the church passed through a drastic period of transformation and reconstruction. Much was accomplished during his leadership, which terminated in 1963.

The Rev. Theodore R. Kelsey was assigned in July 1963 by Bishop George Baber. During his pastorate, the church was decorated, a complete kitchen installed, and the mortgage was burned. His pastorate ended in 1967.

In November 1967 the late Rev. Sylvester Odom was appointed as pastor by Bishop John D. Bright. Under his leadership the parsonage was embellished, a new furnace installed, and plans for the air-conditioning were made. Rev. Sylvester Odom was transferred in 1969.

The late Rev. Booker T. Cartwright became pastor by appointment of Bishop John D. Bright on April 20, 1969. At this time the air-conditioning was installed. His pastorate terminated in 1972.

On May 14, 1972, the late Rev. Frank Williams was assigned by Bishop Bright. Under his administration a major renovation plan was initiated. The kitchen and third floor bathroom were modernized as well as other necessary improvements. Even though God called him home, his six month leadership left an impact that will linger.

During the interim, Rev. John W. Jackson, our capable assistant pastor, assumed responsibility until the annual conference convened. Bishop Ernest Hickman then appointed the Rev. Leroy Attles to pastor St. Matthew in 1973. During the Rev. Attles' pastorate, many commissions were organized, major improvements made, including a new roof for the church, interior and exterior painting of the church, and storm windows for the parsonage. In 1977 he was assigned to pastor in Cambridge, Mass.

The new pastor, the Rev. Charles E. Martin, was appointed in 1977 by Bishop Hickman. He continued with the plans for a larger Zion. He also initiated the plans for a day care center and organized Friday Youth Recreation Nights for the children in the neighborhood. Mayor Joel Shane of Orange appointed Rev. Martin to organize the Affirmative Action Commission and draft policy with the members of the City Council. Bishop Richard Allen Hildenbrand appointed Rev. Martin to pastor in Harrisburg, PA.

Our present pastor, the Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, was appointed in 1981 by Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand. Much of what we are today and will be tomorrow is the result of his leadership. During his pastorate the congregation has grown tremendously, both numerically and spiritually, requiring the erection of a new edifice in 1985 and expansion of that sanctuary and construction of a community life center in 2002. The mission of the church is to "win and make disciples for Christ..." Adopting the theme, "The Servant Church of the Oranges", the church provides more than 20 ministries that serve both church and community. Special interest has been placed in children and their education and social justice, and political and economic emowerment advocated. He founded NIDA (Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation) the church's community development corporation and renamed the former rectory "Memorial Hall" which houses the church school and is the church's Christian Education Center. St. Matthew is now the second church in the New Jersey Conference, on of the leading churches in the state and has a bright future.

 

 

 

"It doth not yet appear what we shall be."

1 John 3:2

St. Matthew A.M.E. Church

 

Founder Sis. Ruth McMillian