[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 157 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MATTHEW CHRISTIAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of St. Matthew Christian Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, WI. 
St. Matthew Christian Episcopal Church was established on September 15, 
1918, and has been a pillar in the community for the last 100 years.
  The first service was held by Pastor W.S. Ferguson in his home with 
the church's membership originally constituting only seven people, 
including three family members and four Christian followers. As the 
congregation slowly began to grow, the church sought out a permanent 
location of worship in Milwaukee, and with the determined efforts of 
the membership and personal sacrifices of the Pastor's family, an 
initial payment for a church building on 538 West Walnut Street was 
made.
  St. Matthew's went on to play a significant role in the civil rights 
movement of the 1960s, particularly during the campaign to desegregate 
Milwaukee Public Schools. A coalition comprised of over a dozen civil 
rights groups known as the Milwaukee United School Integration 
Committee, MUSIC, was formed, and then-St. Matthew's Pastor B.S. Gregg 
was a prominent member of the group. MUSIC conducted a series of 
demonstrations with the goal of pressuring the Milwaukee school board 
to put an end to de facto segregation in the city. A series of school 
boycotts were held, during which Freedom Schools were created to offer 
an alternative curriculum emphasizing African-American history and 
activism. St. Matthew's was proud to house one of the Freedom Schools 
during this time.
  The members and leaders of the church are proud of their rich 
heritage and the expansion of their Christian influence in the 
community, which are demonstrated by their many active ministries that 
care for those in need. Rev. Richard D. Shaw has been leading the 
church since 2010, and under his guidance, St. Matthew's has 
experienced a renewed and revived spirit. In the last 10 years, 
Reverend Shaw has worked on various boards and committees throughout 
Milwaukee, including MICAH--Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied 
for Hope--and has developed many ministries within St. Matthew's as 
well.
  St. Matthew Christian Episcopal Church provides a beacon of hope and 
a place of comfort during times of trial and uncertainty. Under the 
devoted guidance of its growing membership, may it continue to be a 
shining asset to the community for the next 100 years.

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