History of the United Methodist Church
On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created when Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. With the words, “Lord of the Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church,” the new denomination was given birth by two churches that had distinguished histories and influential ministries in various parts of the world. Theological traditions steeped in the Protestant Reformation and Wesleyanism, similar ecclesiastical structures, and relationships that dated back almost two hundred years facilitated the union. In the Evangelical United Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William Otterbein, the principal founder of the United Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination of Francis Asbury to the superintendency of American Methodist work. Jacob Albright, through whose religious experience and leadership the Evangelical Association was begun, was nurtured in a Methodist class meeting following his conversion.

Developments and Changes Since 1968
When The United Methodist Church was created in 1968, it had approximately 11 million members, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in the world. Since its birth, United Methodism has experienced a number of changes in its life and structure. It has become increasingly aware of itself as a world church with members and conferences in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. While its membership in Europe and the United States has declined noticeably since 1968, membership in Africa and Asia has grown significantly. An increasing number of women have been admitted to the ordained ministry, appointed to the district superintendency, elected to positions of denominational leadership, and consecrated as bishops. In 1980 Marjorie Matthews was the first woman elected to the Church’s episcopacy. The Church has endeavored to become a community in which all persons, regardless of racial or ethnic background, can participate in every level of its connectional life and ministry. United Methodism has struggled with a number of critical issues. It has created and refined theological and mission statements. It has discussed and acted on matters of social importance such as nuclear power and world peace, human sexuality, the environment, abortion, AIDS, evangelism, and world mission. The Church has been concerned with the faithfulness and vitality of its worship. It published a hymnal in 1989, which included a new Psalter and revised liturgies for baptism, the Lord’s Supper, weddings, and funerals. Its 1992 General Conference authorized a new Book of Worship. A Spanish language hymnal, Mil Voces Para Celebrar, was published in 1996. The United Methodist Church represents the confluence of three streams of tradition: Methodism, the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and The Evangelical Association. With other churches that are also members of the body of Christ, it humbly and gratefully offers up its praise to God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for creating and sustaining grace. It seeks further grace as its ministers to the world.

St. Matthew’s History
The Rev. Dr. Don Finch was appointed July 1, 1973, to organize a new church to be located at 2540 West Baseline Road in Mesa, Arizona. The first worship service was held September 16, 1973, at Mesa Community College. Constitution Sunday was Palm Sunday, April 7, 1974; the service was conducted by Bishop Charles Golden and District Superintendent Robert Stanley with 126 Charter Members. On September 7, 1975, worship services were moved to Booker T. Washington Elementary School.

Groundbreaking services for the first building were held Palm Sunday, April 1977. The Rev. Herb Osman became our minister on January 1, 1978, and officiated at the first service held in the new building (now Fellowship Hall) on April 30, 1978. The Rev. Daniel Turner was appointed as our minister on July 1, 1983. On February 10, 1985, a groundbreaking service was held for construction of the Sanctuary and Education Building. These two buildings were consecrated February 9, 1986, with District Superintendent Rev. Gene Collett and Rev. Turner presiding. Rev. Tom Butcher was appointed as our Senior Pastor on July 1, 1991; Rev. Tom Wick was appointed as Senior Pastor to St. Matthew from 1995-2003. Rev. Dan Morley was appointed Senior Pastor to St. Matthew from 2003-2007. Rev. Dr. David Alberts served at St. Matthew from 2007-2011. Our present Senior Pastor, Rev. Michael Eaton, conducted his first service of worship with us in July of 2011.

Between 1987 and 2013, St. Matthew had several Associate Pastors: Rev. Susan Brims, Rev. Dr. Jeff Procter-Murphy, Rev. Gene Gordon, Rev. Cherie Whisler, Rev. Duane Combs, Pastor Iain Glithero, Rev. Robin Greentigerman, and Rev. Dr. Eric Brown. From 1996 to 2013, Pastor Diana Williams served as our Associate Pastor with a focus on Deaf Ministry.

We welcome you to St. Matthew United Methodist Church!

Catch the Spirit of love, joy and friendliness which undergirds our call to service. Ours is a caring and positive church community.

You will find St. Matthew a church of people who are concerned about people within our church, within our community, and around the world. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we do have a vision and a relationship with Christ Jesus who knows the way of Life. We invite you to join us on our journey of discovering God’s call and vision for us all.