Glad Tidings

The history of St. Matthew is documented in the Louisiana Secretary of State’s archives, as well as in the church’s records.  The past articles and by-laws mark some of the transitions of the past 160 years, and show our predecessors’ views of the church’s purposes and missions.

            Today’s St. Matthew began as the German Evangelical Church, chartered on June 2, 1849 (the date that St. Matthew celebrates as its anniversary).  On June 14, 1861, another congregation, the Evangelical Church was founded.  In 1884, the leaders of the two churches “jointly declared that at several meetings of their Wardens and Trustees of said churches, resolutions were passed mutually and fraternally to consolidate the two Churches” into the German Evangelical Church of the Seventh District of New Orleans.  The combined church’s purposes were “the worship of Almighty God, and for the spiritual advancement of the members of the Congregation.”  When the churches combined, “the Church situated on the Madison Street near corner of Third Street was selected as the Regular place of worship.”

            By 1909, the church had moved to the corner of Elm and Dante streets and had built a church and Sunday school buildings and a parsonage on that property.  The congregation voted on July 11, 1909 to change the church’s name to St. Matthew German Evangelical Congregation of New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Act of Incorporation was also amended in 1909 to expand the objects and purposes of St. Matthew to “the Worship of the Almighty God, according to the doctrines and tenets of the Evangelical Church, and for the spiritual advancement of its members, and for that purposed to own and manage a house of worship, under such rules and regulations as may be determined by the congregation of such church, or by its Board of Church council.”

A special congregational meeting was called after church on Sunday, May 13, 1918, “for the purpose of adopting an amendment to Article (1) of the Charterchanging the name of St. Matthew German Evangelical Church to that of St. Matthew Evangelical Church eliminating the word German.”  That amendment was adopted unanimously and was recorded in the City notarial archives.  Some of the documents refer to St. Matthew as “The St. Matthew’s Evangelical Congregation of New Orleans, Louisiana” in that time period.

            On December 13, 1943, the congregation and church council voted to change the church’s name to St. Matthew Evangelical and Reformed Congregation of New Orleans, Louisiana – which is engraved above the columns on the Carrollton side of the sanctuary (built after St Matthew moved to Carrollton in about 1932).  That charter amendment also recognized women serving on church council, though twelve of the eighteen positions were reserved for “male members.”  The earlier charters provided for an all male church council.

            A lengthy congregational meeting was held on February 1, 1956 to amend the charter.  As occurs at meetings today, “Each proposed amendment was the subject of prolonged and careful study, review and explanation by the members present. . . . After considerable discussion, explanation and review of the amendments and changes recommended to the charter, the necessity and advisability therefore, the matter was put to a vote, and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,” the church name was changed to St. Matthew Evangelical and Reformed Church of New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Church Council was known as the Consistory in 1956, a title that is still sometimes used.  The congregation also voted to buy the property next to the original Carrollton Street building (today’s sanctuary) and build our present offices, class rooms and Fellowship Hall at that meeting, under the leadership of George W. Prechter, Jr.

           Roy C. Gebhardt was President of the congregation when the church name was changed to St. Matthew United Church of Christ, by unanimous vote on May 1, 1977.

          Throughout the past 60 years, St. Matthew has remained focused on worship and spiritual growth, while also changing to meet the desires and needs of the congregation. Today we face further challenges and opportunities and transitions as a congregation.  

Letters from the Flock

Dear Friends at Central/St. Matthew,

Shirley Adams sent us a warm and news filled letter about the "go'in's on in the church.

Number One: We miss you all very much and spend time reminiscing and wondering how you all are.  We are both well, the parsonage is sweet and (thank the Lord – twice the size of our house in Metairie.)
North Falmouth is a bit like a Scottish or Irish Village. Beautiful hills and curves give way to bays and bogs all around us; most of the houses are very old – and beautiful, but small and weathered or painted white  - (no multi-colors here….)

The North Falmouth congregation is very involved in church life; many attend activities several times a week. (Well, it is really a very small, close knit town.) There's a thrift shop that helps with the budget and mission, a men's breakfast, women's and youth bible studies.  There are a lot of children, and Fred is giving hilarious (and educational) children's sermons every week  - as well as leading youth group activities….His sermons have been very well received (a lot of laughter and "ah ha moments!)  Most people are so surprised that church starts and ends in Fred time (on time).    I gather that the former pastor was inclined towards longer sermons. The former pastor use to preach for 45 minutes the glow and good will in people's eyes is unmistakable.

The music is beautiful…but very New Century.  The music director is very good, but we do miss Beth and the multi-cultural choirs….

Food is incredibly central to the fellowship. They all seem to be brilliant bakers and there is always a coffee hour after church that nobody wants to miss and a lunch on Thursday's that no one should miss.… Julie (officially and sometimes named as the "first lady!) has been warmly welcomed. Fred (although very, very, very busy) is in new pastor heaven.

I travel to Boston twice a week to teach a course at Emerson College, two hours each way.....I am continuing at work in getting my film distributed.

That's all for now, Julie Gustafson

Dear Spiritual Family,

I just wanted to let you all know that this past weekend I was called to be the next Senior Pastor at Bethel Church UCC in Houston, TX.

I hope to see you all soon at Central St. Matthew before the move.

My heart is so full when I think of each one of you and what Central St. Matthew means to me. You will always be my spiritual family, and always, always remain in my heart.

I know Central St. Matthew has much in store. You will remain in my prayers- for God Does do a New Thing!

With much love and love in Christ,

Maggie