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Founded by freed African American men and women after the Civil War, Saint Matthew Colored Baptist Church was organized in the 1870s-1880s under the leadership of the Reverend Riley Williams (1812-1912). The church supported the upliftment of the community, including local education efforts. In 1893, M.J. Phegley conveyed one acre of land for a church site. Around 1918, the Rev. Benjamin Harris led the church to build a new sanctuary northeast of Cedar Creek. The Rev. Horace Nunn undertook major building upgrades. Annual traditions include homecoming and family day the fourth Sunday in August. For over 130 years, St. Matthew has served the spiritual needs of the surrounding community. (2023) |
