St. Matthias Episcopal Church

Summerton, South Carolina

ABOUT ST. MATTHIAS

After the death of Judas we read in the Scriptures how the disciples selected Matthias to serve as his replacement and to be counted as one the 12 Apostles. Peter said “It is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.' Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven Apostles.” (Acts 1:20-16 NIV)

St. Clement of Alexandria writes that Matthias was remarkable for his insistence upon the necessity of mortifying the flesh to subdue sensual appetites – a lesson he had learned from Christ, and which he faithfully practiced himself.

The first part of his ministry was spent, we are told, in Judaea, but he afterwards went to other lands.  According to the Greeks, he planted the faith in Cappadocia and on the coasts of the Caspian Sea.  He endured great persecution and ill-treatment from the savage people among whom he worked, and finally received the crown of martyrdom at Clochis.   We know nothing for certain of the matter of his death, but the Greek Menaia and other legendary sources say that he was crucified.

St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Summerton was established in 1899. The  completed church building was consecrated in that year on February 24,  the Feast Day of St. Matthias.

WE BELIEVE...We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings.

WE BELIEVE...The Church has power to decree Rites and Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain anything that is contrary to God’s Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another.

WE BELIEVE...The Three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius Creed and the Apostle’s Creed ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of holy Scripture.

WE BELIEVE...It is evident unto all men diligently ready holy Scripture and ancient Authors, that from the Apostle’s time there have been these Orders of Ministers in Christ’s Church: Bishops, Priest, and Deacons. We affirm this three fold order of ministry.

WE BELIEVE…That as Christians we are called to worship God, to give thanks to him; To put our whole trust in him, to call upon him: To honour his holy Name and Word: And to serve him truly all the days of our life.

Circa 1900

Circa 1950

WE BELIEVE...There is but one living and true God, everlasting; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in the unity of this Godhead there are three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

WE BELIEVE...Holy Scripture contains all things necessary to salvation.

Present Day