A Historic Black Baptist Church in Liberty City
St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church sits at 6100 NW 24th Avenue in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, where it has been a spiritual home and community anchor since 1968. The congregation's roots, however, reach back more than a century to the heart of Historical Overtown, where its founders first gave shape to a vision of gospel-centered ministry in early twentieth-century Miami.
From a Storefront in Overtown to a Permanent Home in Liberty City
The church was organized on September 11, 1921 by Rev. Nathaniel Francis Clark, who had come to Miami from Georgetown, Bahamas, by way of Key West. Clark had been ordained as a minister in the AME Church in 1904 and was given the right hand of fellowship with the Baptist churches of Dade County by Rev. S. A. Sampson, founder of St. Agnes Baptist Church in Coconut Grove. The first St. Matthews met in a storefront on Eleventh Terrace and Second Avenue before moving to a wooden structure at 361 NW 17th Street, where the congregation worshipped for forty-five years under founding deacons John Glass, James Cooper, John Cooper and Tom Davis.
In 1966, plans were drawn to relocate. On a June afternoon in 1967, Rev. James Pickett of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church broke ground for a new building. Rev. N. F. Clark cut the ribbon to declare 6100 N.W. 24th Avenue the new church home. On March 9, 1968, the officers and members marched into the new building, and the dedicatory message was delivered by Rev. Willie Smith, Sr. The congregation adopted its current name, St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, the same year. In January 2000, the fellowship hall was erected in honor of the founder and named the Nathaniel Francis Clark Fellowship Hall.
Rev. N. F. Clark retired in June 1969 after a lifetime of service. Rev. Dr. Philip Clarke, Jr. served as the church's second pastor from October 8, 1972 until the Lord called him home on February 2, 2011. The City of Miami later renamed the street in front of the church in his honor. In April 2012, the congregation called Rev. Vincent Brown as its third pastor.
Pastor Vincent Brown and the Work of Today
Under Rev. Brown's leadership, the church has taken on new initiatives: a 24-passenger bus and van for the youth ministry, property and facility renovations, drug recovery groups that meet daily on site, health fairs, MLK Day outreach, Bahamian Association cultural events, and a refreshed online presence. The church's motto, "Making a Difference in the Community, One Life at a Time," sums up the focus of his ministry.
Sunday Worship and Weekly Bible Study
Christian Education Class begins each Sunday at 9:00 am, both in person and online. Anointed teachers lead discussion of contemporary issues and the Word, and families are encouraged to attend together. The Sunday Worship Service follows at 10:00 am, also in person and online, with preaching from the Word of God. On Monday evenings at 7:00 pm, Prayer and Bible Study meets online, where participants explore and grow in the knowledge of God's Word. All three gatherings use Zoom Meeting ID 831 9067 1069.
Every fifth Sunday is Mission Sunday, dedicated to service to God, His people and the community. The full yearly calendar also calls out Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Pentecost Sunday, Youth Summer Camp, the Missionary Gospel Choir Anniversary, Friends and Family Day, Thanksgiving, the Christmas Youth and Music program, and a Watch Night Service to close the year.
Grief Care for Those Who Have Lost
St. Matthews offers a Grief Care ministry for those walking through loss. Private counseling is available through Dr. Betty Mitchell, a Licensed Counselor with Healing of the Heart Ministries, Inc. Grief Care sessions are scheduled in a series of weekly evenings, with flyers and resources posted on the church site for those who wish to follow along or refer others.
Caregivers Ministry for Alzheimer's Families
The Caregivers Ministry is built around families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Weekly teaching sessions cover understanding the disease, related behaviors, partnering with healthcare providers, and getting affairs in order. The ministry works closely with the Alzheimer's Association and the G.R.A.C.E. Ministry at Second Baptist Church in Miami. Resources include the Alzheimer's Association 24-hour Helpline at (800) 272-3900, respite care information, and links to research studies.
Youth, Music, and Outreach
Youth ministry is a strong focus. A church bus and van provide transportation, and Youth Summer Camp is held each summer. The Missionary Gospel Choir, Music Ministry, Usher Ministry, Deaconess and Deacon ministries, and Shepherd's Care all play visible roles in the life of the church. Community outreach includes drug recovery groups that meet daily on the property, health fairs, MLK Day outreach, and joint events with the local Bahamian Association.
Baptist Association Life
St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church is a member congregation of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association. The church calendar includes annual sessions, Southern Fellowship sessions, the Congress of Christian Education, and the Church Growth Conference, alongside local observances such as Bahamas Independence Day and Black History Month.
Giving, Visits, and a Place to Belong
Online giving is available through Zelle using the church email as the Zelle ID. The church notes that rides to services are available for those who call ahead. Visitors are invited to come as they are, with the simple welcome: "You are welcome here."