Our Story
For generations, Saint Matthew United Methodist Church has been a place where faith has been lived, shared, and passed on. Built on a legacy of worship, service, and deep connection, this church has been shaped by the faithful witness of those who came before us.
Our story stretches back more than a century, and like all communities of faith, it has unfolded through seasons of growth, challenge, and renewal. Through it all, God’s presence has remained constant, guiding this church forward.
The Missouri Avenue Years (1888–1895)
Our story begins with Missouri Avenue Methodist, established in 1888 in Fort Worth. As that congregation grew, it found itself looking beyond its original space. After a fire destroyed its wooden building in 1895, the church rebuilt on its existing site, leaving behind two vacant lots on Bessie Street dedicated for worship. Those lots would soon become the foundation for a new congregation—and the beginning of our story.
The Glenwood Years (1896–1939)
From those Bessie Street lots, Glenwood Methodist Episcopal Church, South was formed, beginning with fewer than ten members. Under the leadership of Rev. S. A. Barnes, the congregation quickly grew into a vibrant and thriving community.
In its early days, Glenwood worshiped in a modest Victorian building, complete with hitching posts and a gas light out front. Over time, the congregation expanded and, in 1925, moved into a larger brick facility to support its growing ministry.
Yet the Great Depression brought significant hardship. The congregation lost its building and was eventually required to leave, a difficult and defining moment. Even so, the people’s faith endured, and the church continued.
The Ash Crescent Years (1940–1964)
After leaving their previous building, the congregation began again on Ash Crescent Street—gathering at first under an oak tree before constructing a new chapel. Led by Rev. Hubert Crain, members built the church themselves, creating not only a place of worship but a testament to their shared faith and commitment.
With this new chapter came a new name: Ash Crescent Methodist. For more than two decades, the church served as a strong and faithful presence in the neighborhood.
In 1962, the congregation faced another difficult moment when plans for relocation led to division. Some members formed Eastern Hills Methodist, while those who remained continued forward. In 1964, the name Saint Matthew was adopted, marking both a new identity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Saint Matthew UMC (1964–Present)
In 1966, Saint Matthew gathered for its first service in the current building on Hitson Lane, beginning a new chapter in its life together. That same year, members of Eastwood Methodist joined the congregation, bringing with them meaningful pieces of their shared worship life, including the Communion table still used today.
Like many churches, Saint Matthew has experienced both growth and challenge. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, membership had declined significantly, raising questions about the future. Yet through God’s grace and the faithfulness of the congregation, a season of renewal began in 1982.
That same year, Rev. Max Brennan began his ministry as Senior Pastor, serving the congregation faithfully for 44 years. His long tenure became a defining chapter in the life of Saint Matthew, marked by steady leadership, deep relationships, and a commitment to guiding the church through both challenges and growth.
In 1992, under his leadership, the sanctuary was transformed to reflect the beauty and grace of Christ, creating a space that feels both timeless and welcoming. Elements such as a historic pulpit from Scotland and a baptismal font inspired by an eighteenth-century church in London remind us that our story is part of something much larger.
Today, Saint Matthew is known for joyful worship, creative outreach, and a commitment to serve with faith and perseverance. As we enter a new season of leadership, Rev. Mike Love is serving as Interim Pastor, and we look ahead with hope as Rev. Mary Teague prepares to begin her ministry as Senior Pastor.
Looking Ahead
We believe that the story of Saint Matthew is not only about where we have been, but about where God is leading us next. Together, we continue to worship, serve, and grow, trusting that God is at work among us.