St. Matthews Anglican Church - Riverview, Florida
St Matthews Newsletter - March 2004St.
Matthews History... Continued It was soon made apparent that the congregation needed a parish hall. Plans were drawn up for a very small building to meet this need, and funds were obtained by re-financing the property. At this time the parish suffered the loss of one of its founding members, Betty Mahoney. Her husband Bob proposed and offered to donate the funds to construct a memorial garden for the church. Plans were drawn up for the garden and it was decided that the parish hall and the memorial garden would be constructed at the same time. In June 1999 another staunch leader of the church passed away. General E.J. McMullen, founder of the parish, was a generous contributor and also served as the church's treasurer for many years. In August 1999 the parish hall and the memorial garden were completed and ready for use. The following month the Most Reverend Walter H. Grundorf dedicated the garden and the parish hall to the glory of God and to His work. The ashes of Betty Mahoney were soon thereafter interred in the garden to be followed by her husband Bob's two years later in November 2001. It was decided by the Vestry to name the garden in honor of the Mahoneys who had so generously donated it to the church. The generosity of Bob and Betty Mahoney is worthy of special note. Indeed, none of the new facilities would have been possible without their support. Bob built many of the pieces of furniture in use including the altar rail, sanctuary steps, two kneeling benches, credence table, lectern, pulpit, hymn boards, information rack, memorial plaque and other necessary items that the church could not afford. It should also be noted that Bob served as Senior Warden of the parish for nine years. In the short period of time the parish has been at its present location, many lovely additions have been made, thanks to the generosity of numerous parishioners. An impressive crucifix hangs over the altar, replacing the plain cross previously in use. A processional cross bearing the figure of the crucified Christ is in use every Sunday. A framed print of the Face of Jesus as photographed from the Shroud of Turin hangs on the Gospel side wall just inside the altar rail. Fourteen plaques representing the Stations of the Cross encircle the Way of the Cross during the Lenten season. In one corner of the nave there is a votive candle stand for those who wish to light a candle while offering prayers. On the wall above the stand is a beautiful bas-relief plaque featuring the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus. Perhaps the most inspiring of all is a large figure of the Risen Christ which can be seen on the high wall at the rear of the nave, reminding us of the Glorious Resurrection of our Blessed Lord. Other gifts received include the sanctuary lamp, two chalices, a ciborium, two professional torches, Sanctus bells, altar frontals and hangings, and the paschal candle and holder. And this list is by no means complete. However, one more important gift must be mentioned. Thanks to the skilled workmanship and dedication of one of our parishioners, the plain plywood altar at St. Matthew's was replaced with a handsome altar of larger size and intricate design befitting its sacred purpose. With the altar was included the two hand-carved flower shelves which are attached to the wall. Over the years we have indeed been blessed with such examples of generosity and devotion to our Lord and His House. Since 1999 St. Matthew's has continued to grow, and as of December 2003 the active parish membership numbered about 147. The future of the parish looks bright as we aspire to be faithful in service to our Lord and to minister to those around us in the traditional Anglican manner. This installment concludes the History of St. Matthew's to the present date. As time passes the events in the future life of the parish will be added. In the near future, as soon as practicable, the history of our parish will be published in booklet form for those who would like to have a complete copy.
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