Our Church History
1924 - 2025
The organization of the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church began on a Wednesday in February 1924, with a gathering of five people, Bro. L. Gardner, Sister Mattie Blocker, Bro. A. M. Brown, Bro. Frank Harty, and Mrs. Anna Dublin at 517 S. 5th Street. After a few months, the group grew to twenty-four interested people, and arrangements for organization were made.
A local minister’s council was convened on the third Sunday afternoon, April 20, 1924, and worked diligently on the Church's spiritual foundation. At the completion of the Council’s work, Mrs. Ellen Jones suggested the name “St. Matthew Baptist Church.” Upon the Church's naming, an initiation was held, and 24 people joined, Rev. and Mrs. L. Gardner, Mrs. Lillie Shad, Mr. James Shad, Mrs. Hattie Bradley, Mr. James Bradley, Mr. I. Wesley, Mrs. Wesley, Mr. A. M. Brown, Mrs. Mattie Blocker, Mr. Frank Harty, Mr. I. White, Mr. I. Moody, Mrs. Mary Colwell, Mrs. Mattie Bussey, Mrs. Ellen Jones, Mrs. Anna Dublin, Mrs. Mary Brown, Mrs. Mary Ballot, Mrs. Lena Anderson, Mrs. Clara Graham, Mr. Mack, and Mrs. Anna Mack. The congregation chose the Reverend J. E. Davis for appointment as Pastor. He led the group successfully, and more souls came to Christ. The Board of Deacons consisted of Frank Harty, Chairman, and Brothers I. Wesley, J. Shad, I. White, L. Gardner, and Brother Mack. As membership continued to grow, the congregation moved to 1711 Carpenter Street. Reverend and Sister Davis worked hard leading the flock, and in 1928, both were called to their Heavenly Home.
After the death of Pastor Davis, a young minister, the Reverend. Malachi Barthelme Pickett was given charge over the St. Matthew Baptist Church. In 1931, Reverend Pickett led the congregation to a new location at 1217 S. 21st Street. The membership continued to grow, and, under the Pastor's vision, the Church began seeking an even larger edifice to call home.
In 1938, the location of choice was 1208 S. 23rd Street, which the membership purchased. The members worked diligently to build a beautiful church edifice at the site. Groundbreaking services were held in June 1942, and the cornerstone was laid in July 1943.
In 1944, the congregation marched into the Sanctuary with great rejoicing and praising God. The Lord rewarded their faithfulness by completing and dedicating the building on October 7, 1945. The addition of the name “Greater” occurred on August 15, 1954, and the Altar chairs were dedicated. On July 17, 1960, with the grace and mercy of God, Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church burned the mortgage. During that same year, Pastor Pickett suffered a stroke and was unable to preach the Gospel any longer. In December 1963, the Lord called Reverend Pickett home from labor to reward.
The Assistant Pastor, Reverend E. Humphrey, took charge of the congregation, and in September 1964, he was elected Pastor by the congregation. He served two and a half years before becoming ill. In 1966, the Lord called Reverend Humphrey to rest. The Reverend L. L. Arnold was selected as Pastor in 1967, serving two years, and ordaining four Deacons during his tenure. In 1970, the Reverend T. W. Murray was called to lead the Church. During his two-year stay, he formed a youth musical ensemble called “The Inspirationals”.
On September 13, 1973, the Reverend Nathan Hendon was called to the Pastorate of The Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church. During his Stewardship, a great deal of progress was made, including: an increase in membership, the addition of Deacons and Trustee Boards, the installation of air conditioning, the purchase of property adjacent to the Church, and the formation of a new singing unit, “The Hendon Specials”. Our Lord called the Reverend Hendon home to eternal rest in August 1987, after a brief illness.
In July 1988, the congregation selected The Reverend Steven Avinger, Sr., to serve as pastor of the Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church. Since his appointment, Pastor Avinger has led the congregation to greater heights in the Lord. In the first six years, many accomplishments took place: the purchase of the corner property on Federal Street and the adjacent property at 1214 S. 23rd Street. Institution of the Tithe and Building Fund Program, formation of the Youth Enrichment Program and the Youth Scholarship Fund, Film Ministry, and Soul Patrol. Evangelistic Outreach Group, Net Care, New Life & New Beginnings Bible Studies, Spiritual Boot Camp, Seniors & Men’s Fellowships, and The Women In Christ Ministries. The Avinger/Hendon Youth Ensemble and The Fellowship Mass Choirs, Agape Community Development Group, and the Mother Board were all established. One of the greatest achievements under Pastor Avinger was the renovation of the entire church building and the enlargement of the Sanctuary (at 1208 S. 23rd Street), completed in 1994, exactly 50 years after the first march.
In response to the Lord’s leading and the Church’s growth, Rev. Avinger has licensed nine ministers, thirteen evangelists, ordained fifteen deacons, and three pastors, including Rev. Joseph Barnes, who was also installed as the Youth Pastor. During this time, Rev. Barnes was also installed as the pastor of Christian Faith Baptist Church in West Philadelphia, leading a new sister church. In addition to several ministries and Bible studies, Pastor Avinger started “The Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church Evangelism Institute” in September of 1995.
In January 1997, Greater Saint Matthew experienced a changing of the guard with the retirement of Deacon Henry Mitchell as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Deacon Mitchell served as Chairman Emeritus, offering wisdom and support to the current Chairman until his transition to Glory in 2013. During that same month, Pastor Avinger ordained Minister Andre’ Seals and appointed him as Assistant Pastor.
Under the leadership of The Reverend Dr. Steven Avinger Sr., The Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church established itself as a church committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, growing the congregation, and expanding its impact on the community. But the dawn of the new millennium brought the fulfillment of promises and newer challenges for Pastor Avinger and his flock. In 1999, the Joint Board expressed its support and confidence in Pastor Avinger’s vision by approving the purchase of the former Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church at 2319 Fitzwater Street for $325,000.00. On October 15, 2000, the Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church congregation marched into its new edifice at Fitzwater Street and Grays Ferry Avenue.
Renovations were completed. In an attempt to bring the Sanctuary back to its original beauty, an awesome mural painted by Tanya Marie Dodd @TMD Visual Arts, named “The Day of Pentecost”, was added above the baptismal pool. Since in the new edifice, Pastor Avinger has ordained five pastors, licensed three Ministers, and six Evangelists; and four Deacons have been ordained.
In December 2002, acclaimed Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan awarded $1.5 million toward Pastor Avinger’s vision for new housing in the community. In 2003, the Talented Tenth After-School Program /Academy opened. The State of Pennsylvania has already been awarded $50,000 toward this endeavor, and The Hillis Foundation committed to the program in June 2003. To add to the blessings of 2003, the Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church received its non–profit organization status for its Community Development Corporation. This status enabled the Corporation to use grant funds for community-focused programs. The Corporation continued its work with the Talented Tenth After-School Program and the SMART Program.
The Neighborhood Revitalization Program, funded by the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation and the City of Philadelphia, purchased properties and counseled potential buyers. Mayor John F. Street and Councilwoman Anna Verna personally presented a $1.5 million matching grant from the City of Philadelphia to support this effort. One of the properties purchased included closing a nuisance bar on the corner of 24th and Catherine Streets.
In 2004, Greater Saint Matthew Community Development Corporation began to expand its programs and staff support. Plans for the Golden Harvest Senior Center and Workforce Development Program were implemented. The Neighborhood Revitalization Program secured 21 of 40 properties for the renovation and construction of townhomes for future sale. As part of the Church’s efforts to address needs in our community, a Narcotics Anonymous Program will hold weekly meetings in Hendon Hall.
Also in 2004, historical moments were marked at Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church. Six deacons and nine deaconesses were added to the leadership. Also, the Evangelism Institute celebrated the graduation of its last class on Sunday, March 28, 2004.
With continued efforts to grow and improve, the Church renovated the women’s lavatory and the nursery areas in the back of Hendon Hall. The windows for the sanctuary were replaced as well. In 2005, the Family Ministries sponsored conferences to meet the individual needs of Christian Single adults, men, and women. Prominent Christian artists such as Kirk Whalum, Jazz Saxophonist, and Karen Clark-Sheard, Gospel artist and minister, ministered at concerts during the Men's and Women’s Day weekends. To accommodate these and future events, a handicapped-accessible bathroom and ramp were added to Hendon Hall.
Rev. Andre’ Seals, our Assistant Pastor, was elevated to the pastorate of the Discipleship for Christ Baptist Church in Claymont, Delaware, in April 2006. As a tribute to the Church’s growth and history, the wall of Greater Saint Matthew Kingdom Builders was displayed in the hall outside Hendon Hall.
To accommodate our members outside of South Philadelphia, the Church purchased a 25-passenger, handicap-accessible bus for its Transportation Ministry.
In 2006, God continued to show Himself strong and led the Church through a pivotal time in the ministry. Concentrated efforts to revive the ministry took place during leadership retreats and ministry meetings. After much prayer, 2007 would be a year of revival and renewal. With the first quarter being consecrated in prayer, fasting, and Bible Study, the Church sought after God with no distractions. In an effort to consecrate the ministry and unite as one, the Ministry of Zamar fasted their gifts and talents from Sunday worship services, allowing the entire congregation to lead its worship and praise experience.
In step with the Church, the CDC has also undergone restructuring and continues to seek God’s guidance as it rebuilds the organization and the community. As God continued to answer prayers and strengthen His people, 2007 brought some challenges and changes. As the Church continued to grow, six men were added to the Deacon Board, three ministers were ordained, and a minister and evangelist were licensed and welcomed to the ministerial staff. Rev. LeRoy Jones was elevated to Assistant Pastor and shepherded the Church during Pastor Avinger’s brief medical leave.
After the medical leave, Pastor Avinger returned with a new vision and determination. Pastor Avinger was elected as the Moderator for the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association (P.E.K.B.A.) and will release his first publication titled “Walking in Your Anointing: With Lessons in Faith” in 2008. With a renewed call and focus on evangelism, Pastor Avinger and Pastor Andre’ Seals, with the assistance of their ministerial staff, reopened the Evangelism Institute with an accelerated curriculum. Members began to step up and take care of the church building as well. The balcony pews were restored with plans to do the sanctuary pews in 2008.
2009 has led the Church into God’s revival. Prayer was reestablished as the center point of the ministry and was made a priority in ministry activity. 2010 proved to be the year of Resurrection Power. Congregational prayer was restructured to reach beyond the walls of the Church, including conference calls throughout the month and a scheduled prayer service at the end of the month. With a new licensed minister and seven walking deacons in training, God continues to build Greater Saint Matthew’s leadership and faith.
In 2011, “As the Spirit Leads” was the theme for the shift in leadership perspective and ministry location. As the surrounding neighborhood grew, off-street parking became a bigger challenge, affecting membership attendance and straining community relationships. The Church decided to sell its property and purchase a new church at 16th and Wingohocking Streets. This new location will move the Church from South Philadelphia to North Philadelphia. In preparation for the new ministry location and focus, leadership underwent training to foster a fresh perspective and empower ministry. Faith in Motion, from II Kings 7:3 (KJV), became a campaign that propelled the Church forward. The additions to leadership were six deacons and three evangelists.
The Holy Spirit continued to lead the ministry, and sales agreements for the property purchase were finalized in September 2012. GSMBC Nation was prepared to move to the new church location at 16th and Wingohocking Streets. The farewell service was on December 31, 2012. Preparations for leadership training and structuring were determined and scheduled for 2013. The leadership grew with one additional evangelist.
From January 2013 to September 2014, GSMBC Nation was accommodated by Consolation Baptist Church at 2500 Wharton Street, under the leadership of Bishop Alden Gaines, founder and Pastor. Consolation welcomed GSMBC with open arms of love and was patient as GSMBC’s new sanctuary was renovated. During this period, ministry activities were limited to worship services, preparation for worship services, Bible study, and training. GSMBC remembered this time with great gratitude for the use of this sanctuary that enabled the ministry to maintain operations during the renovations.
In October 2013, Pastor Avinger experienced his 25th Pastoral Anniversary with a banquet and special services. Challenges for GSMBC Nation to stay focused and united helped to prepare the ministry for the new opportunities God had in store for them.
GSMBC Nation marched into their new sanctuary on Saturday, October 4, 2014, with a processional from Broad and Blavis Streets led by a local drill team accompanied by many family members and friends. With an air of excitement and hope, the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony preceded the opening service, with various ministry supporters in attendance. GSMBC continued celebrating by hosting special events to introduce the ministry to the North Philadelphia community. Some highlights of the events included a concert featuring local artists and a community carnival/health fair. With the assistance of many ministries and local supporters, the grand opening was a memorable and dynamic experience for the community. The congregation was eager to work in the community.
The first licensing in the new edifice took place on Sunday, November 16, 2014, with the elevation of Sis. Reynolds, Wees, and Griffin to the Office of Evangelist.
Pastor Avinger and ministry heads worked diligently to reestablish ministry operations. Fellowship Hall and some classroom spaces still needed renovations, but the ministry leaders were resourceful in using other areas of the facility for fellowship dining and ministry activities. The Youth Department equipped classrooms and a chapel for Children’s Church and Community Outreach, Young Adult Ministry, and Food Cupboard, and organized the Wingohocking Street Annex for ministry activities. To start off the Summer of 2015, the Community Outreach ministry organized the Community Prayer Walk to protect the community from violence during the warmer months. The “I AM” banner was the standard raised to represent God’s authority and protection over the immediate surrounding community.
In 2015, Minister Joshua Goodin was ordained a reverend and appointed to the Office of Youth Pastor. On December 18, 2016, the ministry also ordained three walking deacons, Brothers Burton, Johnson, and Jackson, to the Office of Deacon and four women to the Office of Deaconess Sis. Truitt, Tate-Thomas, Ray-Brown, Martin, Deacon’s Wives, Sis. Jackson, Sis. Johnson.
Greater Saint Matthew nation continues to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout 2017 and 2018. During the July 2017 church conference, five new trustees were appointed to the Trustee Ministry, Sis. Holmes, Sis. Prophet, Sis. Dixon, Bro. Jackson, and Rev. Sutton. In March 2018, Rev. Joshua Goodin, our Youth Pastor, was elevated to the pastorate of Saint Paul Chapel in Philadelphia, PA. After much prayer and studying, Pastor Avinger announced the ordination of seven female evangelists on April 21, 2018, to the Office of Pastor Evangelists Martin Woodard, Burton, Satchell, Buxton, Harris, Avinger, and Turner. This life-changing move of the Holy Spirit has been received with a grand celebration that will plant fruit for future spiritual revelations.
After implementing a financial campaign in 2016, the sacrificial donations were used to purchase three new heating and air units in 2017. After experiencing major water damage in February 2018, the lower level and chapel will undergo major renovations throughout 2018.
2019 will prove to be the Year of Elevation. Bishop-Elect Avinger made another historic appointment to the Office of Lay Pastor. Sis. Kimberly Jones was consecrated as our first Lay Pastor and will serve as the Youth Pastor. Her long-time service and commitment to the Youth Ministry were awarded with a grand celebration on January 13, 2019. The celebrations continued with the licensing of two evangelists, Sis. Burnett and Sis. Day on February 12, 2019. The Episcopal Consecration to the Office of Bishop for Pastor and Lady Avinger wrapped up the Year of Elevation on October 12, 2019. The Presiding Prelate Bishop Albert Jarman II of the New Day Interfaith Fellowship of Churches and Ministries led the Greater Saint Matthew Nation through the elevation experience. Through the elevation of Bishop Avinger, the entire GSMBC Nation would be elevated. With great elevation came a responsibility that would follow the ministry into 2020.
The Year 2020 started with optimism and strategic planning. The Ministry Council developed a five-year ministry action plan focusing on ministry opportunities and programming to maximize impact in kingdom building in Nicetown Tioga and throughout Philadelphia. This biblically based plan will include a measured assessment of ministry programming to maximize limited resources and community impact. On March 13, 2020, Mayor Kenney and Governor Wolf closed the County of Philadelphia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Church appointed a Covid Task Force to develop health protocols to resume operations and keep the congregation safe. The COVID protocols included personal protective equipment (PPE), COVID testing and vaccination, signage for 6-foot distancing in seating areas, service registration to track church attendance, COVID tracing through the Health Ministry, and communication via text messaging and social media. The Church reopened in July 2020 for full on-site services, using COVID protocols in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and governmental guidelines. If we could go to the stores and work, we would attend Church. In July 2020, the virtual Church would also permanently launch streaming services via Facebook and YouTube. To help maintain the virtual Church, the Amplified Vision Media Ministry became a vital ministry that operates social media outlets, live-streams all services, and live-streams off-site services.
During the pandemic, the ministry continued to operate with limited ministry activities. Meetings, bible studies, and fellowships were done via Zoom. Children’s Church went on hiatus during this period, but bible studies were done via Zoom. The Church ordained three ministers to the Office of Reverend on March 28, 2021: Ministers Boyd, Lawrence, and Goodin, Sr. On April 25, 2021, three brothers were elevated to the Office of Deacon, Brothers Cooper, Morton, and Barnes, Jr., and consecrated a Deacon’s Wife, Sis. Morton. This year, Greater Saint Matthew became the headquarters for the New Day Interfaith Fellowship of Churches and Ministries by hosting the annual Holy Convocation of membership churches. The relationship between these ministries will continue to elevate the Church as a whole.
The Years 2022 and 2023 will lead Greater Saint Matthew into a new mindset in community engagement. The Ministry Council leadership was selected to attend training through the Leadership Foundation of Philadelphia, led by Rev. Dr. Wilson Goode. This training will change how we think about ministry and initiate the methodology of Charity to Change. We need to do ministry that implements systematic changes and creates lasting benefits for the disadvantaged. The Church participated in the FatherHOOD Initiative led by the Men’s Ministry, Blessings of the Badges with the Philadelphia Police Department, Stop the Violence Virtual Prayer Service, Kicking It Conversational Café with State Rep. Darisha Parker, Corners to Connections Initiative, and many more. The Church’s community focus was on health issues such as gun violence, diseases, and fatherhood engagement in the family. On September 10, 2023, Sister Edith Tammy Burger was elevated to the Office of Evangelist.
The Church’s Road to 100 began in April 2023 with a Jazz Brunch. This year will include monthly fellowship services, a sponsorship-giving drive, and a formal gala. We will spend 2023 to 2024 celebrating that this branch of Zion has existed for a century, survived a global pandemic, and continues to hold up the blood-stained banner of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2025 brought forth “A Fresh Anointing” from 2 Corinthians 5:17. With prayer and fasting, the congregation sought God for five specific prayer requests every Friday. This spirit-led community has proven to be a House of Prayer and will continue to seek God for the surrounding communities, walking into 2026 with a focus on spiritual purpose, guided by Isaiah 1:19-20: “Reaping the Harvest Because He Has Risen.”
Yes, we have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Holy
Word, He’s never failed us yet.
