History of Church
St.
Matthew has its roots reaching back to 1945 when Pastor Karl
Mackensen of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Highland town
asked Mr. and Mrs. Roland Poos to help him begin a Sunday
School in Bowleys Quarters. They agreed and traveled each
week to the Long Beach Improvement Association building where
classes were held. The effort was so successful, that by the
1950's efforts began to form a full congregation in the
community.
In
January of 1961, a steering committee met and voted to form a
new congregation. They were supported by St Paul's whose
congregation signed a note to allow the new congregation to
borrow funds for their first building. Also supporting the
new congregation was the American Missions Division of the
American Lutheran Church and the Baltimore Mission Society.
That same year a loan was advanced to buy property, build a
multipurpose building, and a parsonage. Rev. Howard Rand
accepted the call and became the congregation's first pastor.
Under his leadership the congregation grew to 250 confirmed
members.
In
July 1966, Pastor Joe Beissel was called to assist the
congregation in her spiritual growth. Under Pastor Beiseel
the congregation built what was called the Luther league
building. It housed additional space for Sunday School.
Future plans called for the addition of an educational unit
and eventually a church with permanent worship space.
In
the spring of 1970, the congregation called the Rev. Paul
Kanupp. In addition to his regular duties as pastor, Rev.
Kanupp served in various capacities in the community, most
notably the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department. In
1977, the congregation built what is now called the
fellowship hall to replace the sanctuary as a multipurpose
space focusing upon Sunday School and fellowship activities.
This greatly needed structure was made possible through a
low-interest loan from another sister congregation within the
American Lutheran Church.
In the fall of 1987, the
congregation called the Rev. John Kulczycki as pastor. He
arrived with his family in February 1988. In January 1994, a
committee was established to explore possibilities for
continued expansion of the building facilities. In May 1994,
the congregation was presented with a four stage site plan.
On May 18th 1997, ground breaking ceremonies began the
construction of a new Parish Education building. In February
1998, the the building was dedicated.
Today
the church sponsors many church and community organizations
and seeks to serve God in different ways as times change. As
a congregation, we look forward to the future with all its
opportunities and challenges. We will continue to respond to
the call of our Lord to make disciples of all
nations.
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