Author: The Rev. John C. N. Hall

Story: It's a "GO!"

In a recent meeting, the Strategic Growth Committee of the Diocese of Arizona, together with our Bishop, Kirk Smith, gave their unconditional approval to expand Saint Matthew's ministries by developing the 33+ acre site on Germann Road. The Bishop said, "Saint Matthew's is number one on the list" of as many as ten sites the Committee has chosen within the Diocese for new growth. Saint Matthew's now has the green light to work closely with the Diocese to relocate and expand its ministry on Germann Road near McQueen Road. The new location could ultimately include a large church campus, separate food bank facilities, an elementary and middle school, and possibly a high school.

This marks the first paragraph of the next chapter of the Saint Matthew's story. Perhaps the most remarkable theme of that story is change. Begun in the early 1920's, the congregation at that time was called by another name - "Ascension." The first building was a small wooden structure on the corner of two dirt roads, Chandler Boulevard (called Cleveland Street in those days) and Washington Street, on what is now an empty plot of land near the downtown post office. The tiny congregation flourished and then faltered.

In 1955, church members with vision for the future reestablished our congregation and gave it the name we now know - "Saint Matthew's." The downtown building was sold, and the proceeds helped to purchase approximately two acres of farmland, then outside the city limits, at the present site on Erie Street.

Through the farsighted and creative efforts of church members like Albert Tibshraeny and Marty Humphrey, Saint Matthew's built a small building on Erie Street. The first structure was meant to house a tiny congregation of about 50. Since then, no less then seven major additions later, the average Sunday attendance now regularly tops 500, with congregational membership at about 1500, still on the same two acres. In short the current facility is "maxed out."

Now, the opportunities for the expansion of the Kingdom of God through the ministry of Saint Matthew's and the Diocese of Arizona are again before us. Once more the vision includes moving to a new parcel of farmland?this time, one worth almost $4-million. Saint Matthew's is again poised for amazing growth and ministry potential.

In the coming months the congregation will begin to write the next chapter of the Saint Matthew's story. Individuals and small groups will begin to dream a new dream, and prepare a new place for the future of Saint Matthew's. Members will be part of tomorrow by planning for ministry with those who are not yet here. All will be given the opportunity to seek God's next step for Saint Matthew's, and together to give thanks for those who have gone before - people like Albert and Marty - who saw God's vision, still far off, and acted by faith for our benefit and God's glory.