CBC History
Rev. Lee E. Mathews was inspired by God to organize a church. On January 3rd, 1965 Rev. Mathews began having church service in his vacant home at 1214 E.22nd Street. Rev. Mathews organized the church with his family and Dorothy Thomas (Sister-in-law) family. Not long thereafter Pastor Gladys Nolan, Reed family, Ella Cotton family and many friends came and helped in the worship service. Pastor asked all to fast and prayer for a church name. God revealed to Sister Ella that the name should be Corinthian Baptist Church and it was accepted by Pastor Mathews. Sister Dorothy Thomas received the gift of tongues during this time. With growth we moved to a larger building on E. 14th Street. God continue to add to the church and bless us with spiritual filled services Sunday after Sunday. Again, we moved to yet a larger building at 2705 San Pablo Ave in 1970. The Clyde Rand family joined in 1972. In 1976 Corinthian Baptist Church became incorporated. The Lord blessed us to purchase our present building at 928 Castro Street. But oh what a journey we travel to acquire this property.
To make way for the Grove/Shafter freeway – this building formerly the Greek Orthodox Church had to be demolition. However, Mary Mousalimas formed a group called the “Committee to Save the Brush Street Church” and was able have it preserved in its present location. Sen. Nicholas Petris, a member of the church and once presided over the congregation succeeded in 1977 in getting the building declared a National Landmark. Thus guaranteeing the structure’s survival. The California Dept. of Transportation paid $245,000.00 for the building to be moved to its present location. What a miracle working God we serve. God spoke to Pastor Mathews to drive by the church and look. To his surprise, he saw the “for sale” sign. Jubilant of God’s moving, Pastor called the number on the sign only to discover it was owned by the state and up for auction. Once again, God moved in a mysterious way. On the auction date many came with cash in hand and misread the fine print. Only Pastor and a realtor were allowed to bid because all bidders needed a $3,000.00 cashier check to bid. God spoke to the realtor after a bidding war with Pastor. The realtor stated to Pastor Mathews “I’m NOT bidding against you anymore”. They shooked hands and Pastor thanked him. The winning bid was $51,000.00. Yet many others came prepared to spend much more. During, this process God spoke to Sister Butcher saying “It’s NOT man’s to give but it’s God”.
“WE CAN’T BEAT GOD’S GIVING!”
Since, the building had been vacant for the past few years it needed much work to be restored. Once again, God blessed us with volunteers (and some members) from aboard with a “mind to work”. Bro J.C. Thomas (brother-in-law) was pouring cement and repairing the plumbing. He told Pastor “as soon as the church opens my wife and I will be sitting up close, enjoying the sights and service”. Several members of the Mormon Church and a squad of volunteers from Oakland to Santa Cruz contributed their time painting, plastering, restoring doors, window, plumbing and wiring. All were drawn together from different faiths to preserve God’s majestic dwelling place. Although this classic old building modeled after a Greek Temple became sort of a revolving door of different denominations. On May 23rd it re-open as the Corinthian Baptist Church. Pastor Mathews admits with a smile, “this old church is a work of art and we’re giving it a new life”. The Greek lettering translates “Bless ye the Lord in congregations”.
