Making A Difference In The Community, One Life At A Time. St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church In Miami Will Turn 105 Years-Old This Month.

“The theme for our 105th Anniversary is ‘Continuing to Build on a Firm Foundation,’” said Reverend Vincent Brown, Senior Pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church.

Unequivocally, the words: “firm foundation” accurately describe the church in which God blessed St. Matthews Missionary Baptist with longevity and long-lasting leadership. In fact, since its inception over a century ago, only three pastors have faithfully served this long-standing house of worship.

The church’s first pastor was Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark who founded St. Matthews Baptist in Miami on September 11, 1921 in what is known today as Historical Overtown. In the meantime, while Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark launched the church in 1921, Overtown became a bustling hub of music halls and theaters.

Simultaneously, when St. Matthews Baptist Church was created during the Roaring Twenties, about 30,000 people lived in Miami. Back then, the city was defined by low-rise brick storefronts, dirt roads, and a mix of horse-drawn carriages and streetcars. Yet perhaps most importantly, the 1920's marked an era when black residents, many of whom were Bahamian immigrants or African-Americans, provided the vital labor that built downtown Miami’s Infrastructure and contributed to the city’s early real estate boom.

Digressing to St. Matthews Baptist Church, the founding flock met in a storefront at the intersection of Eleventh Terrace and Second Avenue before the church relocated to a wooden structure at 361 Northwest 17th Street. The timbered edifice is no longer there but the church influenced Overtown for 45 years under the guidance of its first officers: Deacons John Glass, James Cooper, John Cooper and Brother Tom Davis.

Fast forwarding to 1966, plans were drawn to relocate the house of God and its members. Also, a building fund committee was appointed by Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark along with Brother Ben Brice, then chairman of the Trustee Board. Then about a year or so later, in 1967, the new house of worship was renamed St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church. In June of 1967, Reverend N. F. Clark cut the ribbon to inaugurate the grand opening of the church to declare 6100 Northwest 24th Avenue in Liberty City as St. Matthews Missionary Baptist’s new home.

Speaking of Liberty City and the church’s relationship with that community, Reverend Vincent Brown said, “We continue to build partnerships with those seeking to improve the quality of life for the residents of Liberty City; this includes civic, religious and cultural organizations.”

Looking at today and in the future, Reverend Vincent Brown points out, “Currently, the community is in transition i.e. gentrification. We are here to support families during the process.” Reverend Brown continues, “We will remain a beacon in the community for all, including the current and the new residents moving in, sharing the Gospel message and Spirit-filled life.”

Unlike some other pastors, Brown is not focusing on the current or past number of church members. He said, “We are not focused on the number of members. Our focus is on the spiritual growth of the individual and family, whether members, visitors or our online community.”

Reemphasizing the church’s history, Sister Florene Romer is truly part of it. Romer joined St. Matthews Missionary Baptist in the 1950's and has been active in many of its ministries.

“St. Matthews’ history runs deep and wide, like an old oak tree; and the roots go way down deep,” Romer said. “The foundation is solid. It will last a long time in the years to come.”

Like Romer, Sister Fannie Poitier joined the congregation during the 1950's and has been active in several ministries.

“I have been a member of St. Matthews for over 50 years,” Romer said. “God has his church here to help anyone at any time. We know we can trust the Lord to carry us through every time.”

In regards to the anniversary commemoration, it will be held on church grounds on Sunday, September 13th, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. If anyone is interested in attending or needs more information, email Sister Evelyn Brown at: sisterbrown6100@gmail.com.

Church Chronology

2025 – The church acquired a new van for the Youth Ministry.

2016 – present: The church hosted and continues to host events for cultural awareness through MLK Day Outreach and for the Bahamian Association.

2015 – present: The church oversees its Community Outreach Program which includes Drug Recovery Groups meeting there.

2013 – St. Matthews Missionary Baptist obtained a new 24-passenger church bus for its seniors.

April 2012 – present: Reverend Vincent Brown is the third and current pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church.

January 23, 2000 – The Fellowship Hall was erected.

1969 – Reverend Dr. Philip Clarke, Jr. became the church’s interim pastor until October 1972 when he was installed as St. Matthew Missionary Baptist’s second pastor. Reverend Clarke, Jr. led the congregation for roughly four decades until 2011.

1967 – St. Matthews Baptist Church was renamed to St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church and moved the sanctuary from Overtown to Liberty City.

June 1967 - Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark declared the grand opening of the church’s new home at 6100 Northwest 21st Avenue in Miami’s Liberty City where it stands today.

September 11, 1921 – Reverend Nathaniel Francis Clark became the Founder and first pastor of St. Matthews Baptist. He served the church for 47 years until he retired in June 1969.

For more information about the church, visit: https://www.stmatthewsmbcmiami.org/