St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

The mission of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is to grow in our understanding of the GOOD NEWS, to minister to those in need, and to invite others to join in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 In the spring of 1952, eight people met in the courtroom of the Saline County courthouse, as they sat in the jury box, they discussed organizing an Episcopal Church. They immediately found nine other community members to join them. A month later on April 3, 1952, St. Matthew’s was designated a mission church, and accepted into the Diocese of Arkansas in January of 1953. The diocese purchased land on Alcoa Road in Benton, Arkansas and the ground breaking for the new church was held in May 1953. Construction of the church began in late summer with the congregation providing most of the labor.  The new church was dedicated on January 17, 1954.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is an important addition to the Christian community in Saline County. Today, St. Matthew’s remains rooted in the understanding of historic Anglican tradition where worship and life are woven together.

St. Matthew’s outreach includes Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, the Saline County Chaplaincy Association, Community of Hope, Safe Haven, Oaxaca Street Children - Grass Roots,  the Animal Orphanage of Saline County, Churches Joint Council of Human Needs and Community Care Center.