738 Pinellas Point Dr. S.
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33705
About us
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church is a mission of the
Diocese of Southwest Florida.
The Right Rev. Douglas Frederick Scharf serves as Bishop. The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion: churches around the world that trace their roots to the Church of England. The Church strives to live by the message of Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome.
Vicar
The Rev. Harry I. Parsell
Bishop's Council
John Hodges - Senior Warden
Lise Amundrud - Junior Warden
Stan Garnett - Treasurer
David Bley
Joyce Lovely
Mary Anna Matthews
Leanne Spletzer
Office Staff
Tammi Marvel - Bookkeeper
Dave Carlson - Groundskeeper
Our History
In the late 1950’s St. Petersburg underwent enormous growth. At that time the Rector of St. Peter’s Church, the Rev. James L. Duncan, saw the need for the formation of new missions in the outlying areas of the city. One of these was to become St. Matthew’s Church.
In the spring of 1958, twenty families who lived in South St. Petersburg met at Lakewood School to discuss the formation of a mission church in that area of town. It was decided that this should be done if a place could be found to hold services.
The first service was held at Skyway Bowling Alley in a local shopping center with eighty-one people present. The Rev. Charles Langlands, Assistant at St. Peter’s conducted the first services and shortly afterwards the Rev. J. M. Wheatley was appointed as Vicar of the new mission by the Bishop. The founding families of St. Matthew’s included Walter and Shirley Todd, Connie and Reggie Trangas, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Johnson, Dr. John and Jeune Orebaugh, Dr. John and Jackie Stewart, Dr. James and Eleanor West, James and Joyce Matthews, Duncan and Johanna Riddle, Dr. Franklin and Anne Roush, Bob and Helen Fowler, Walter Todd, Bill Bussey, and Walter West.
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of His goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understanding Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Within each of us is a restless heart waiting to be satisfied by God. Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us.
Our Communion and Services
Holy Communion is held every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. The service liturgy is printed weekly to make it easy for visitors and those not familiar with the service to follow. For special Christmas and Easter Service schedules, educational program information, and church organization meetings please refer to the weekly newsletter or the Upcoming Events Calendar. St. Matthew’s is an open and affirming church for all people. Infants and children are welcome.
Thrift Store
St. Matthew’s Church has a large Thrift Store offering a high turnover of items including clothes, shoes, furniture, collectibles, glassware, kitchenware, linens, artwork, sports equipment, electronics, toys and books.
The Thrift Store is open on specified dates of each month from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. The Thrift Store is located in the Parish Hall on the south side, behind the church. Park on the north side of the church, then follow the signs down the church walkway.
Please email stmatthewsnews@gmail.com for more information.
Memorial Garden
Located on the shore of Tampa Bay, behind the Church and the Parish Hall, the serenely beautiful St. Matthew's Memorial Garden provides interment for the ashes of deceased parishioners, offering a way for us to continue to celebrate and minister to the faithful friends who now celebrate God in Jesus more fully.
The Memorial Garden is a private, very personal continuing home for those who have supported us while here on earth. Family members who are not active members of St. Matthew's may be interred with Bishop's Council approval.
Growing
Serving a growing Southeast St. Petersburg population
Beautiful
Magnificent grounds located on the southernmost tip of Pinellas County
Spiritual
Lovely and quiet Memorial Garden. A veteran Spiritual Leader –
The Rev. Harry I. Parsell
Diverse
World-Class Pipe Organ/ Organist & Popular Thrift Store
About us
We welcome you all to be part of our community. We Don't Judge. We Respect All!
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