About Us

   St. Matthew Missionary Baptist church was organized in 1935 in downtown Nashville on Lafayette Street by a small group of people with a mind focused on ideal principles of scripture, holding fast to the guidelines of Matthew 16:18-19vs; “Upon this rock, I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

    The great depression of World War II and mismanagement of church funds caused the small congregation to suffer a tremendous financial deficit and, as a result, lose its church property, and many members departed from the fellowship. Striving to hold fast the vision and mission of the establishment, the late Deacon Henry Lark sought to find a new location to hold worship services for the saints who remained faithful. By the grace of God, the congregation was assembled in worship in their new place of South Nashville on 5thAvenue.

    Two years later (1937-1938), the redevelopment of the Nashville City area resulted in relocation for the congregation, in which a three-room house in North Nashville on Gay Street was purchased. Many ministers were called to administer worship services in search of a leader (1938-1944), and in 1944, the late Reverend Irvin Mayfield was elected pastor.

    During his administration, the church relocated again due to more Nashville Development Projects. In 1953, the congregation moved into their newly purchased building located in North Nashville on 11th Avenue and Mary Street. The church membership grew rapidly with young families, and as a result, the congregation outgrew the building, so the pastor and officers sought to purchase the property.

    In 1961, the late Deacon Gant Harney acknowledged land for sale across the street from his residence on the corner of 25thAvenue North and Osage Street. After viewing the property, arrangements were made to purchase the land and begin constructing a new edifice. In October of 1964, a total of 51 members marched into the new church building, where our present congregation worships each Sunday. 

    Over time, growth continued, ordained ministers were birthed, and many ministries were organized, such as the Mother Union, Deacon Board, Ushers Board, Youth Department, Adult, and Junior Choir. In 1970, the beloved Pastor Mayfield became ill and went with the Lord in 1971.

    After that, two pastors were appointed to oversee the flock, the late Reverend Paul Batey (1971-1974) and the late Reverend James R. Turner (1974-1977). During the administration of Pastor Turner, renovations were made to the structure; a new fellowship hall, pulpit, choir stand, baptism pool, pastor study, choir room, nursery, and bathrooms.

    In February 1977, after the resignation of Pastor Turner, an appointed committee asked Reverend William B. Armstrong to officiate worship services until a new pastor was elected. 

    In 1979, the church elected Reverend W.B. Armstrong as Pastor of the St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church who presently resides. Under his leadership, many accomplishments have been achieved including, the church’s mortgage being paid in full, the purchase and payment of additional property, refurbishments to the sanctuary, upgrades to electrical equipment and PA Systems, and the purchase of a trail-way bus and five transport vehicles; also, additional ministries developed to include, radio and television broadcasts, Missionary Society and Willing Workers Ministry and many more programs; presently, the completion of a new sanctuary and renovation of the old structure.

    Through many transitions and mountain-high struggles faced, God has graciously blessed our church family in keeping the vision alive (Matthew 16:18-19vs) as ordained by our forefathers. We anxiously await the plans that God has in store for our church in the near future. 

It is our prayer that you would share in the blessings of God and worship with us, “A Family Striving to Meet the Approval of God.”  We welcome you one and all with open arms.