Founded in
1943
150 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SAVANNAH
AND THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA
 Savannah, GA
(912) 233-5965

 

 

 

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KEY EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL PARISH

Many events have made St. Matthew's what it is today - an Episcopal church home in the center of Savannah GA, serving the local community's spiritual and childcare needs.The parish has an illustrious history.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is the result of the merger of St. Stephen’s and St. Augustine parishes in 1943.

    St. Stephen’s – founded 1855

    - First Black Episcopalian Church in GA, 1855.
    - First services held in a workroom over Cleghorn Bakery located on Perry Lane.
    - Initial services lead by James Porter, lay reader and President of the Vestry.
    - Mr. Porter was brought from Charleston to train the choir.
    - First rector in 1871 was Rev. Robert Love, the first Black Episcopal clergyman in GA.
    - In 1872, Rev. Love opened the first kindergarten for Blacks in Savannah.
    - In 1892, Rev. Richard Bright was ordained, served for 21 years.

St. Augustine’s – founded 1872

- Initial services were held in a rented hall in Yamacraw Village.
- Rector, founded by Rev. Robert Love.
- In 1875, the first church building was built.
- A school for Blacks was established in the church under Rev. Love’s leadership.
- Savannah Boys Club, the Urban League, and Tuberculosis Clinic met here
- The Reverend J. Henry Brown took charge in 1918.

St. Matthew’s – Founded 1943
   Merger of St. Stephen’ s and St. Augustine parishes

- Rector Rev. Gustave H. Caution was chosen new rector.
- He had been the former Rector of St. Stephen's.
- Rector Caution served until 1968.
- Current building completed in 1948.
- Reverend Harry Nevels, former altar boy at St. Matthew’s,
   served as Rector until 1974.
- During his tenure the Day Care Center was established.
- Reverend Charles L Hoskins was Rector until 1996.
- Reverend J. Lloyd Angus was Rector until 2005.

Today, St. Matthew's Parish stands as monument to the hard work and dedication of a long line of devoted souls who had the will, the wisdom, and spiritual vision to establish the Savannah, GA parish.