On April 5, 1979, 58 people met with Bishop Child to discuss the organization of an Episcopal church in Snellville. A formal organizational meeting was held in July of that year, at which time St. Matthew’s was given its name.
Regular Sunday services began on August 5, 1979, at Centerville Elementary School, with Fr. Gene Ruyle serving as priest-in-charge. In January of 1980, Fr. Franklin Thomas was appointed full-time vicar, and St. Matthew’s received full mission status.
Worship services were moved to the Snellville Civic Center in June of 1980, and property at the current site on Oak Road was purchased in August of that year.
A building fund drive launched in April of 1981 resulted in the completion of the new church building one year later; 592 people, representing 130 families, joyfully celebrated Palm Sunday in the new church on April 4, 1982.
In November of 1982, Fr. Thomas departed and Fr. Paul Gerlock became interim vicar.
On September 4, 1983, Fr. Edward Hanson was called as full-time vicar. During Fr. Hanson’s tenure, the church grew in membership to approximately 300 families and the budget increased from $60,000 to $195,000. St. Matthew’s attained full parish status during this period.
In November of 1989, Jim Crews became the first youth director at St. Matthew’s. He remained with St. Matthew’s until June of 1995.
Fr. Hanson resigned in January of 1991. Fr. John Dukes and Fr. Scott Harris began serving as priests-in-charge.
On August 22, 1992, Fr. P. Douglas Coil was called as rector.
On January 5, 1997, the parish broke ground for the new Strickland Education Building. On May 18 that same year, ground-breaking for the new sanctuary was held. The new sanctuary was dedicated on April 19, 1998.
Fr. Jim Johnson came to St. Matthew’s as an assisting priest on February 22, 1998. He remained with the parish in that capacity until May 31, 2005.
Dan Mitchell joined the St. Matthew’s staff as music director on August 16, 1998 and retired in 2017. Dan composed a musical version of the Lord’s Prayer to our worship services that we continue to use to this day.
Jeff Tait, St. Matthew’s second youth minister, served between July of 1996 and May of 2002.
On June 1, 2003, St. Matthew’s called Sally Ulrey as full-time youth minister for the parish.
In July of 2005, Fr. Bradford Smith was called as associate rector of St. Matthew’s. Fr. Brad served the parish until November of 2009.
Fr. Doug retired on July 1, 2013, after twenty-one years as rector of St. Matthew’s and forty years in service to our Lord.
At that time, Mother Debra Metzgar Shew was appointed as priest for the interim.
The Reverend Canon Elizabeth Hendrick was called as our new rector and began her ministry during Advent in 2016.
Mother Liz would serve our parish until her retirement on January 31, 2021.
Kyle Osborne became the music director on April 16, 2018 and served the parish until the end of 2021.
Sally Ulrey departed St. Matthew’s on July 29, 2018. Sally is still active in the Diocese of Atlanta as part of the Bishop’s staff.
Reverend William “Tommy” Matthews was called as the Associate Rector on October 1, 2019. Father Tommy remained with the parish until July 25, 2021.
In September 2021, Reverend Doctor Patricia Miller was appointed as priest in the interim.
In early 2022, Matthew Edwards assumed the position of music director.
