ST. MATTHEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The following was taken from page ----- of the book entitled “Rusk County History” compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

 Transcribed by Claudia Schuster

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Cemeteries of Texas

Founded in Henderson in 1934 as a mission, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church has grown steadily over the years and is now a vital part of the community and church life of Henderson.

 Two architects, communicants of the mission designed and built the church in 1934, Jim Downing and Jerome Cararas, on a borrowed lot on the corner of East Ragley and South Mill Street.  The lot belonged to the late Jim Wood.

In the late 1930’s the church was moved to a city lot on Ragley Street where the present YMCA building is now located.  In the 1940’s the church was moved to it’s present location on College Avenue on a lot that the church purchased.  The building was enlarged and parish hall was built in the 1950’s.  A few charter members are still communicants: Mr. and Mrs. Randolph (Virginia) Harris, Mrs. George (Jane) Millard, Prentis Hedge, whose wife, Carrie Mae Hedge was a  charter member.

 Rector of the church is the Reverend Thomas C. Woods, who with his family, moved to Henderson four years ago.  Membership is approximately one hundred persons.  Senior warden of the church is Dr. David Craig.  Serving as superintendent of an active church school is Mary Jo Colombo.  The Episcopal Church Women is headed by Mrs. Carl Huckabay.

 The parish hall houses many group and organization activities of the church and the community.  Such local organizations as Alcoholics Anonymous, the American Association of Retired People, The Genealogical Society, and other civic groups.  In the outreach program, the hall is used almost every night of the week.

 Recently the church completed a successful Venture of Mission program and is continuing to grow.