Matthew Anderson

Matthew Anderson was a most remarkable man, one whose notable accomplishments included founding the Berea Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, in 1880; then the establishment of a building and loan association to assist Blacks in gaining home ownership; followed later by a kindergarten school and a medical dispensary.

The son of Mary and Timothy Anderson, Matthew was born in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. He was educated at Iberia, Oberlin College, Princeton Seminary, and Yale University. Having come to Philadelphia in 1879, he started the Berean Presbyterian Church in 1880; the Berean Building and Loan Association in 1884; and the Berean Manual Training and Industrial School (Berean Institute) in 1899. Each institution grew out of a need to provide services, skills, and support systems for the Black community of Philadelphia, because other institutions denied them access due to racial discrimination. Anderson was first married to Dr. Caroline Still, the daughter of William Still. He opened a medical dispensary at the parish house, which was largely run by his wife, Dr. Caroline Still Anderson. After Caroline's death, Anderson married Miss Blanche Williams. Matthew Anderson was an important influence in the religious, business, and educational history of Philadelphia.

Sources: Frederick Gutekunst, Photographer (Philly); by Aslaku Berhanu; Anderson, Matthew. Presbyterianism : its Relation to the Negro. Philadelphia: J.M. White, 1897; Temple University Libraries, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection/William Still Collection