OUR HISTORY
The Miracle Begins
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church is the direct result of one man's vision.
The Venerable Michael R. Murphy, then the Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southern Virginia,
with the cooperation and full support of then Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Frank H. Vest, Jr.
and the Department of Mission, under the leadership of the Chair, The Rev. Steven Cowardin,
saw a need for an Episcopal Church in the Courthouse area of Chesterfield.
During the summer of 1995, a sign was placed on property owned by the Diocese on Beach Road.
We distributed flyers and we held meetings with area clergy and lay people.
Permission to hold services at The Old Historic Courthouse on Route 10 was obtained with the help of The Hon. Ernest and Mrs. Virginia (GeeGee) Gates and Mrs. Tamara Puster and we held the first service on Christmas Eve, December 24th,1995.
"There is a sense of joy and discovery here"
The Rev. Murphy was the Founding Vicar and thus, St. Matthew's was born and in February of 1996 was recognized at the annual Council of the Diocese as the newest mission in the Diocese. Shortly after the start of St. Matthew's, the position of Archdeacon was eliminated. Mike continued to serve during the first years of St. Matthew's. The growth and early success is a direct result of his love for the Lord and his caring for the people of this mission. St. Matthew's was accepted by the Fall Council of the Diocese in September of 1996, as an organized mission, a second step in our growth.
"There is a feeling and
closeness that attracts one to St. Matthew's"
Bishop Vest confirmed and received seven new members of St. Matthew's in August of 1996 and the first baptism was celebrated on April 26, 1996 and St. Matthew's continued to grow.
After leaving the Diocesan staff, Mike became a full-time police officer for Chesterfield County and on July lst, 1997, Bishop Vest appointed The Rev. Martha L. Jenkins to be the new Vicar of St. Matthew's.
One of the early decisions made by the people of St. Matthew's was to be a eucharistically centered church and to try to serve people in this area of Chesterfield without a church home and family.
In support of that theology, during the six month period before Martha's ordination to the priesthood on December 13th, 1997, the Department of Mission granted funds to
St. Matthew's to be used for supply priests, enabling the mission to continue with services of Holy Eucharist every Sunday.
"I was looking for a traditional service.
The warmth of this community keeps our
entire family coming each Sunday"
Martha's ordination in December in 1997 was another step in the history of St. Matthew's.
Saint Matthew's is continuing in its mission to provide a church home and family to the people of Chesterfield County, Virginia. We are growing and welcoming all who desire to worship with us and feel the comfort of this very special church community.
"This community gave me the refuge
I was seeking"
In 1999, growth and change at St. Matthew's continues. In our fourth move in a year, we are
now renting the vacant F&M Bank building at 9440 Ironbridge Road. This building will enable us to have all church activities under one roof. We have a worship space that will hold up to 80 people, a nursery area, kitchen, offices and meeting rooms. One of the benefits of this building is the large sign directly on Ironbridge Road. We will be able to place St. Matthew's name and an Episcopal shield on the sign and also have room to spotlight special services, etc. We are excited about this move and the chance to welcome others into the community of St. Matthew's.
Saint Matthew's will continue to work to glorify God and thru The Holy Spirit find our way to do His work.
"God's Holy Spirit is with us no
matter where we congregate"
We, the members of Saint Matthew's, invite
you to join us in the celebration of God's love.
We extend a warm welcome, especially if you are new or visitng in the
Richmond area.
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