Every work of art and love is born first as a dream in the hearts of those who would create it.  So it was that on April 2, 1948, at a meeting at the home of Bishop Clingman the dream of Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church had its beginning.  Called together by the Bishop to discuss the organization of a mission church in St. Matthew’s, 24 hopeful people organized themselves into committees to investigate temporary quarters for the church and building sites.  In a sense this was to be a reorganization of the church for there had been in this area at one time, an Episcopal Church called Saint Matthew’s, which was founded during the 1830s and disbanded shortly after the turn of the century, and from which the St. Matthew’s community took its name.

At a second meeting 10 days later, a petition to the Bishop was signed asking that a Mission Church be established at St. Matthew’s. On April 14, 1948, the Diocesan Convention gave its approval. 

By May 26 the Bishop reported that the Department of Missions had agreed to supply $1,000 for the support of the Mission for the last quarter of 1948, and $4,000 for its support in 1949.  An informal canvass indicated an annual income of $2,800 from those who had signed the petition.

Next in line was the election of a Rector, and upon the Bishop’s recommendation, a call was issued to the Reverend Wilfred Myll, of St. Mark’s Church, San Antonio, Texas, who subsequently accepted.  It was decided to negotiate with the St. Matthew’s Woman’s Club for the use of their new club building on Shelbyville Road.
 

Above is a picture of one of the earliest meetings looking towards the establishment of a Mission in St. Matthew's.  From left to right: Henry J. Scheirich, Jr., John Hottell, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Nantz.

Interest and enthusiasm for the new venture grew.  On June 16, at a picnic supper for Mr. and Mrs. Myll, more than 80 persons attended.  Shortly afterward, a Hammond organ, 250 kneeling pads, a lectern, and 3 sets of altar linens were donated to the church.
 

On September 3 incorporation papers were filed and on Sunday, September 5, 1948, Bishop Clingman conducted the first services at the St. Matthew’s Woman’s Club.  Attendance at the 11 o’clock service was around 197 members and well-wishers and deeply gratifying to the Bishop and those who had worked so hard to put the new church on its feet.
 

The Mylls arrived on September 7, a rectory having been purchased in the meantime on Leland Road, and Mr. Myll conducted his first service as  a rector on September 12.  In the next months plans went forward for the acquisition of a building site, and after much searching and deliberation, an 8-acre tract was purchased early in 1949 at the corner of Hubbards Lane and Massie Avenue, for $17,100.  Funds came from contributions, and payment was completed in 1950.
 

Throughout 1950 the church continued to operate as a Mission Church.  In 1951 it became self-supporting and was given full standing by the Diocesan Convention that year. Early in 1951, architects were engaged and in May and June, a Building Fund Campaign brought in more than $60,000 in cash and pledges over a 3-year period.
 

Ground was broken on April 6, 1952, after lengthy consultation with architects and landscape architects concerning progressive development over the coming years.

On June 29, 1952, the cornerstone was laid, and the first service in the new building was held on Feb. 8, 1953. 

And so the dream grew to a reality.  The present membership of 431 people attests to the truth of the dream in the hearts of those who first planned the Mission. Based on the rapid growth to date, and on the prospective development of the surrounding neighborhood, Saint Matthew’s Church looks forward to a constantly expanding life in the service of God.

Above is a picture of the service dedicating Clingman Hall

The above information was taken from the Building Fund Program brochure that was prepared for the building campaign to raise funds for the current sanctuary.