Written By Mary K. Hamner St. Matthews CME Church dates from a former slave’s land donation in 1872 Saint Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the buildings along historic US 80 that causes a quick braking action and maybe a stop. Records indicate that Lewis Ralston, a former slave of Alexander McIntyre, donated land for the church in 1872. It is said that the congregation organized and began meeting in 1872, one year after Webster Parish was carved from Bienville, Bossier, and Claiborne Parishes in 1871. Today's church building was constructed in 1921. In a history of the church by Dr. Roy G. Phillips and James Smith, they write, "The history of St. Matthew Christian Episcopal Church dates back to the year 1872. Under the guidance of God, and the leadership of Brother Cobb Carter and Brother Lewis Ralston, Sr. these men have been credited for being the founders of this great Church. God's first words were spoken through Pastor Elijah Powell in 1872." For Ms. Hamner's complete article, visit http://thepineywoods.com/TravelAp11.htm