Rev. Dr. Rodney C. Walker serves as Pastor of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, where he is leading the faith community through an affordable housing redevelopment initiative. This vision includes plans for a mixed-use eighteen-story building featuring affordable apartments, a worship facility, and a Gospel Café on the church’s current site.
Under his leadership, St. Matthew continues to serve the Near North neighborhood through its Food Pantry, STEM tutoring program for elementary and high school students, Women’s Homeless Outreach Ministry, and other Christian education initiatives. The church also partners with local nonprofits, including the Near North Unity Program and Employees and Employment Services, LLC., along with other community-based organizations to strengthen relationships and address neighborhood needs.
B.A. in Political Science, Chicago State University
Master of Divinity, Chicago Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Rodney C. Walker
Mobile: 630-427-5253
Email: rodneycwalker@yahoo.com
More than a century ago, a small group of determined Christians “caught the Spirit” and began gathering for Sunday worship in the home of Mrs. R. J. Walker. Joined by the Walker and Gibson families, Mrs. Wilson and her daughter, and led by lay preacher Mr. E. R. Lewis, they trusted the promise that where two or three are gathered in His name, God is present.
In 1915, the congregation officially became St. Matthew Methodist Episcopal Church within the Lexington Conference. The church first met in a storefront at 327 W. Oak Street, later purchasing a building on North Clybourn under the leadership of Rev. J. M. Hayden.
As the congregation grew, Rev. J. M. Franklin led the move to a larger building at 1000 North Orleans. In 1938, Rev. Henry M. Marbly became pastor and guided the church into active leadership during the early Civil Rights Movement, encouraging NAACP involvement, organizing boycotts against discriminatory practices, and establishing a Social Service Ministry that served the Near North community and beyond.
Through denominational mergers in 1940 and 1968, St. Matthew became part of what is now The United Methodist Church.
In 1951, a devastating fire nearly destroyed the building, and insurance challenges added to the hardship. Yet the congregation rebuilt, repaired, and repaid the mortgage, demonstrating deep faith and perseverance.
In 1969, the old structure was demolished to make way for a new sanctuary. During construction, the congregation worshiped in the gymnasium of neighboring St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 1971, the current building, designed by architect Walter Netsch and featuring The Cross by sculptor Richard Hunt, was dedicated to the glory of God.
Over the years, St. Matthew has hosted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mayor Harold Washington, and played a key role in developing Atrium Village, an affordable housing community. Ministries have included Operation Hope, Head Start, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and numerous outreach efforts.
Today, St. Matthew continues to share the Good News through:
A weekly Food Pantry
The annual Community Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal
Women’s Homeless Outreach Ministry
STEM Near North Tutoring Program
A regional radio ministry on Rejoice Radio WYCA 102.3 FM
As we celebrate 105 years of ministry, we look toward the future with faith. Plans are underway for a mixed-use redevelopment that includes a new sanctuary, gym and fellowship hall, Gospel Café, parking, and mixed-income housing.
We thank God for our history, praise God for what God continues to do, and trust God for a future filled with abundant life, built on Christ the solid rock.