The New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church
After much prayer and directives from the Holy Spirit the late Rev. E. L. Lockett and a group of concerned Christian warriors met in Troup, Texas at the Walter and Dean Sanders Sewing Center in early December of 1998 to discuss plans surrounding the organization of the New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church. The meeting was a success and with everyone on one accord the organizational plans moved forward. On January 30, 1999 the church was officially organized under the supervision of Moderator Rev. D.C. Brown and Moderator at Large, Rev. H Overstreet. The church became a member of the East Texas Baptist Association, currently Texas Educational Baptist State Convention, obtained its 501(c)(3) and continued worship in the Bro. Walter and Dean Sanders Sewing Center. In February 1999 Pastor E.L. Lockett met with all members to share his vision of constructing a building for worship. The church site was to be on a main highway to provide an opportunity for future growth. The New St. Matthew MBC formed a committee to seek a site location. The committee found approx. 7 acres at 14589 Hwy 110 S. Whitehouse, Texas and the location met the guidelines agreed upon. In March 1999 the church purchased the 7 acres and began preparing for the building project. The New St. Matthew MBC continued worship at the sewing center. In July 2002 the church was finally prepared to initiate the building project and, in August, with the help of the Lord secured the finances to begin. God blessed the New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church with an 8000 sq. ft. facility which is where we worship today. We thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the vision given to our organizer, Pastor Edward. L. Lockett. We also thank God for the pioneers that endured with long suffering and love.
September 2012 The New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church called Rev. Marcus A. Lockett, son of Rev. Edward L. Lockett, to pastor.