Saint Matthew AME Church host Community Block Party

A pillar in the community since opening its doors in 1942, Saint Matthew held its Annual Book Bag Giveaway on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Saint Matthew humbly continues to promote service to the city and its residents through the unwavering eighty-three-year culture of service.

- Lorraine Lavender-Sams

The church's food and clothing ministries are a staple of the community, providing food at its food giveaways every Saturday. The Book Bag Giveaway didn't disappoint, with face painting, a bounce house, snow cones, cotton candy, bubbles, basketball, games, and aerial acrobatics (carefully supervised) for the children, which created a delightful atmosphere for the young scholars as they prepared for a new school year.

Philadelphia Police Officers on horseback were on hand introducing children and adults alike to those rarely seen unsung heroes who assist the Officers in keeping citizens safe. The Philadelphia Fire Department was there, explaining fire safety and demonstrating how equipment functions, with both agencies inviting children and adults to consider careers in either department.