The organization of the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church began on a Wednesday, in February 1924, with a gathering of five people at 517 S. 5th Street. After a few months the group grew to twenty-four interested people, and arrangements for organization were made.

A local minister's council was called and worked diligently on the spiritual foundation of the church. At the completion of the Council's work, Mrs. Ellen Jones suggested the name “St. Matthew Baptist Church.” Upon the naming of the church an initiation was extended and twenty-four persons joined.

The choice of the congregation for appointment as Pastor was the Reverend J. E. Davis. He led the group successfully and more souls came to Christ. The Board of Deacons consisted of Frank Harty, Chairman, Brothers, I. Wesley, J. Shad, I. White, L. Gardner and Brother Mack.

With continued growth of the membership, the congregation moved to 1711 Carpenter Street . Reverend and Sister Davis worked hard leading the flock and in 1928, both were called to their Heavenly Home.

After the death of Pastor Davis, a young minister the Reverend M. B. Pickett was given charge over the St. Matthew Baptist Church. In 1931, Reverend Pickett led the congregation to a new location at 1217 S. 21st Street. The membership continued to grow and through the vision of the Pn 1938, the location of choice was 1208 S. 23rd Street , which was purchased by the membership. The members worked diligently to build a beautiful church edifice at the site. Groundbreaking services were held in June 1942 and the cornerstone was laid July 1943. In 1944, the congregation marched into the faithfulness with the completion and dedication of the building on October 7, 1945 . The addition of the name “Greater” occurred on August 15, 1954 and the Altar chairs were dedicated. On July 17, 1960 , with the grace and mercy of God, Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church was able to burn the mortgage. During that same year, Pastor Pickett suffered a stroke and was unable to preach the Gospel any longer. In December 1963, the Lord called Reverend Pickett home from labor to reward.

The Assistant Pastor, Reverend E. Humphrey took charge over the congregation and in September 1964, he was elected Pastor as the choice of the congregation. He served two and half years before becoming ill. In 1966, the Lord called Reverend Humphrey to rest.

The Reverend L. L. Arnold was selected as Pastor in 1967, serving two years, and ordaining four Deacons during his tenure. In 1970, the Reverend T. W. Murray was called to lead the church. During his stay of two years, he formed a musical ensemble called The Inspirational.

On September 13th , 1973 , the Reverend Nathan Hendon was called to the Pastorate of The Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church. During his Stewardship a great deal of progress was made including: increase in membership, addition of Deacons and Trustee Boards, installation of air conditioning, the purchase of property adjacent to the church and formation of new singing unit, “The Hendon Specials”. Our Lord called the Reverend Hendon home to eternal rest August 1987, after a brief illness.

In July 1988, the congregation selected The Reverend Steven Avinger, Sr. to Pastor The Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church. Since his appointment, Pastor Avinger has leaded the congregation to greater heights in the Lord. In the first six years many accomplishments took place: the purchasing of the corner property on Federal Street and the adjacent property at 1214 S. 23rd Street . Institution of the Tithe and Building Fund Program, formation of Youth Enrichment Program and The Youth Scholarship Fund, Film Ministry, Soul Patrol. Evangelistic Outreach Group, Net Care, New Life & New Beginnings Bible Studies, Spiritual Boot Camp, Seniors & Men's Fellowships and The Women In Christ Ministries. The Avinger/Hendon Youth Ensemble and The Fellowship Mass Choirs, Agape Community Development Group, and the Mother Board were all established. Pastor Avinger has also ordained five Deacons, appointed three Trustees, Licensed three Ministers and four Evangelists. One of the greatest achievements under Pastor Avinger is the renovation of the entire church building and enlargement of the Sanctuary, (at 1208 S. 23rd Street) which is was completion in 1994, exactly fifty years since the first march took place. In response to the Lord's leading and the church's growth, Rev. Avinger has licensed nine ministers, thirteen evangelists, ordained fifteen deacons and three pastors. In addition to several ministries and Bible studies, Pastor Avinger started the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church Evangelism Institute in September of 1995. The Institute has since graduated five classes and currently has approximately 20 students enrolled in five of its seven courses. In October of 1995, Reverend Avinger was given an Honorary Doctorate Degree from The Martha's Vineyard Theological Seminary.

In January 1997, Greater Saint Matthew experienced a changing of the guard with the retirement of Deacon Henry Mitchell as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Deacon Mitchell still serves as Chairman Emeritus offering wisdom and support to the current Chairman, Deacon Daniel Muchison. During that same month, Pastor Avinger ordained Minister Andre' Seals and appointed him as Assistant Pastor.

Under the leadership of The Reverend Dr. Steven Avinger Sr., The Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church established itself as a church committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, growing the congregation, and expanding its impact on the community. But, the dawn of the new millennium brought the fulfillment of promises and newer challenges for Pastor Avinger and his flock.

In 1999 the Joint-Board expressed its support and confidence in Pastor Avinger's vision by approving the purchase of the former Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church at 2319 Fitzwater Street for $325,000.00.

On October 15th , 2000, The Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church congregation marched into its new edifice at Fitzwater Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. $300,000.00 in renovations has been done. In bringing the Sanctuary back to its original beauty and the adding of an awesome mural painted by Tanya Marie Dodd @TMD Visual Arts, named “The Day Of Pentecost”, God's glory is radiating brightly.

Since in the new edifice Pastor Avinger has ordained five Reverends, licensed three Ministers, and six Evangelists; also four Deacons have been ordained.

In December 2002 acclaimed film Director M. Night Shyamalan awarded $1.5 million towards Pastor Avinger's vision of a new house in the community. With the Lords help 2003 the Talented Tenth After School Program / Academy will open. The State of Pennsylvania has already awarded $50,000 toward this endeavor. And The Hillis Foundation has also committed to this program in June2003.

Yes, we have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Holy Word, He's never failed us yet.