[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E817-E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ST. MATTHEW M. B. CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. 
Matthew M. B. Church of Jackson, Mississippi.
  In 1900, Rev. Jack Hill called a group of people together for the 
purpose of worshipping God. It was in a brush harbor located at Trips 
Crossing (the intersection of Northside Drive and North State Street) 
there a band of baptized believers decided to follow Rev. Jack Hill. 
This was the beginning of St. Matthew M. B. Church.
  Rev. Hill led some spiritual followers that had been responsible for 
the survival and progression of St. Matthew. History is not clear of 
the number of years that early leaders were with the growing Christian 
followers.
  The church was later moved to Terry's Place (the present location of 
Watkin's Elementary School) under the leadership of Rev. Johnnie 
Harris. At this site, Rev. W. L. Jordon took the reign of leadership 
and completed the construction of the newly relocated building.
  Terry's place was on 16th section school land and had to move. The 
congregation was faced with finding a new location for church service. 
With God's blessings and determination the congregation began searching 
again.
  Approximately in 1927 or 1928, Rev. J. D. Hayden became pastor of St. 
Matthew and purchased deeds for the present location. It was the hope 
of the members that this would be a permanent place. Rev. Hayden 
accepted a calling from another church and was succeeded by Rev. W. M. 
Creshon. Under Rev. Creshon's sixteen years of service the Church was 
rebuilt and rapidly became one of the most progressive black churches 
in the City of Jackson.
  During the late 1940's, St. Matthew M. B. Church served as part of 
the New Hope Public

[[Page E818]]

School. This elementary school gave many children an opportunity to get 
an education. Rev. Creshon was proud of the church and school's 
progress. In 1947, Rev. Creshon's health failed and he resigned his 
position as a pastor.
  Rev. Sylvester Thomas, a young and inspiring minister, was asked to 
lead the flock. Under his strong hand guided by God, the church was 
remolded and a blueprint was drawn to rebuild the present structure. 
Rev. Thomas served for sixteen years and the congregation grew 
spiritually. Then Rev. Thomas went to his heavenly home.
  Rev. Wroten McQuirter, the assistant minister, accepted the position 
as a full-time pastor. St. Matthew continued to grow and Rev. McQuirter 
worked with the members to erect the present facility we now worship in 
each Sunday. St. Matthew M. B. Church stands as a beacon in the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing St. 
Matthew M. B. Church.

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