More History

The group rapidly outgrew its temporary home, and in 1959 purchased the William H. Allport Family property where the church is now located (738 Pinellas Point Dr. S.). This is a beautiful 4-½ acre site on the shoreline of Pinellas Point. Services were held in what was the Allport home (now the Parish Hall). Other small buildings on the property were used for the church office, a thrift shop, and church school. This became crowded and work was begun to build a more permanent structure for worship and the work of the new parish.

On February 8, 1962 the Rev. Allen B. Purdom was called as the new Pastor, and under his leadership the Church Building was completed in 1965. Ground for the present church building was broken on St. Matthew’s Day (September 21st) 1964, by Bishop William L. Hargrave. 

The Church was completed in 1965 and dedicated by then Bishop James L. Duncan. Architect Winfield Lott designed the church. It is built in the Bahamian style, completely surrounded by a covered veranda to protect from the sun and rain. It has vaulted ceilings, interesting stained glass windows, check slate flooring, and a slate roof.

In November of 1968 Fr. Purdom was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas C. Redfern as Church Rector. In the years that followed the Church School Building was completed. A new Cassavant pipe organ was purchased, and the Parish Hall was renovated and enlarged. Several of the old buildings were demolished and a new children’s chapel and nursery were constructed. Also, a memorial garden was completed along the shoreline in 1971, with granite benches and a stone-carved altar for outdoor services. The grounds are well landscaped and include an artesian well once used by fishermen, giant banyan tree, and giant bamboo. The Rev. Otis Mason, a retired priest at Suncoast Manor assisted Fr. Redfern for many years until his untimely death in 1977. Lane E. Hildreth was a long-time member of the Parish, studied for Holy Orders with Fr. Redfern, and was ordained a permanent deacon at St. Matthew’s and served until his death in 1976. The Rev. Frank W. Marshall, a retired Army Chaplain, also assisted at St. Matthew’s beginning in the mid 1970s. In 1994 the Rev. Earnie Sumeral succeeded Rector Thomas Redfern who retired after 25 years of faithful service. Mother Louise Baker succeeded him in 1999. In 2006, Mother Carolyn Kirk Biggs became Rector. Mother Biggs was assisted by Deacon Rachel Jones and Rev. Don Jaikes, a resident of Suncoast Manor, and an active ministry of laypersons. Mother Biggs was followed by the Rev. Harry I. Parsell in 2011, who is assisted by Deacon Kevin Mort.

Many laypersons have made important contributions to the life of St. Matthew’s Church. Just a few of these include Mrs. Jo Sales, Sheryl Plonka, Mary Ellen Quackenbush, Rev. Wil Fisher, Dr. John and Jackie Stewart, Dr. James and Eleanor West, James Mathews, Bob Fowler. 

A church history is not merely dates and events, baptisms, and weddings, but countless dependable, loving, and giving parishioners and clergy.

Over the years the St. Matthew’s has emphasized its pastoral ministry to Suncoast Manor, a nearby retirement community originally sponsored by Episcopal Churches throughout St. Petersburg. Westminster Communities later acquired Suncoast Manor. St. Matthew’s also has a long tradition of supporting the Haitian faith community. For many years we hosted Haitian church services. For a number of years the Church’s major mission project was support of St. Francis Christian School in Louiseau, Haiti. St. Matthew’s has also hosted many non-profit organizations including CASA, Alcoholics Anonymous, Bayfront Hospital patient support group, and youth scout groups. Our current outreach activity is support of the Food Bank “We Help” at the Free Clinic.

St. Matthew’s is a multicultural and intergenerational family of caring Christians, reaching out to others in ministry. Although small in number, we are strong in spirit. We remain faithful and committed to our Anglican traditions and mission. We look forward to the new opportunities and challenges for ministry that our changing community presents to us.