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HEAR GOD'S WORD

SPEAK GOD'S WORD

CONCEIVE GOD'S WORD

BELIEVE GOD'S WORD

RECEIVE GOD'S WORD

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY Women 1st Weds of the Month Men 2nd Weds. C

TEACHING:

Sharing God's entire, inspired, inerrant Word, for spiritual growth and the edification of the Kingdom of God.

NURTURING:

Caring for Gods people's, psychological, physical and spiritual growth. Encouraging them to be faithful in the Word, unmovable in their faith and always abounding in the work of the Lord.

TRANSFORMING:

Changing lives through prayer and fellowship by expounding on the Word of God. Developing true worshipers, who will be thoroughly equipped for the work of the Lord.

our mission & vision statement

Mission Statement

Rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, your mission focuses on turning the "Go" into tangible action across Merced and beyond. St. Matthew Baptist Church embodies this by moving the ministry outside the four walls of the church to transform the city through service.By equipping the congregation to fulfill the Great Commission, Pastor Huddleston’s leadership bridges the gap between spiritual growth and community restoration—whether it’s through the Shower Ministry or partnerships with organizations like Restore Merced."Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."
St. Matthew Baptist Church1057 N. StreetMerced CA 95341

"TRUST GOD WHERE YOU CAN'T TRACE HIM"

Meet Our Pastor :

MEET OUR SENIOR PASTOR

Pastor Allen Huddleston was born in Merced, California to Frances and Thomas Huddleston. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Huddleston, in 1981, and the two have been happily married for 44 years. Together, they have one son, Allen S. Huddleston II, a daughter-in-law, Sati Huddleston, and two grandsons, Teegran and Matevos — who keep a smile on his face constantly. He is a proud grandpa!

Education

Pastor Huddleston holds an Associate of Arts degree from Merced Junior College and a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California.

Professional Career

Pastor Huddleston is a retired professor from Merced College, where he taught Health and Kinesiology. He served as Head Women’s Basketball Coach for twenty-seven years, managing a highly successful program that sent many student athletes on to Division I and Division II schools.

Faith Journey

Pastor Huddleston was seven years old when his parents joined St. Matthew Baptist Church. He has been attending St. Matthew for over sixty years. He accepted Christ at the age of eighteen and shortly thereafter was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Herbert Knight. During this season of service, Pastor Huddleston served faithfully as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and a member of the Trustee Board.

In October of 2016, Pastor Huddleston accepted his call to preach the Gospel under the guidance of Pastor/Overseer/Bishop Dr. David Denson, Jr. He was called as Pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church and on February 3, 2019, he preached his first sermon as Pastor, with his official installation taking place on April 2, 2019.

Community Involvement

During his six years of pastorship, St. Matthew Baptist Church has become a vital force in serving the Merced community. Pastor Huddleston is actively involved with the NAACP, Restore Merced, the Merced Food Program for the Elderly, and serves as a board member of Love Inc. of Merced. He has also implemented a Shower Ministry for the homeless at St. Matthew Baptist Church. Reaching out and giving back to the community is his passion and his calling.

“Trust God Where You Can’t Trace Him”

Meet Our First Lady:

Lady Barbara Huddleston was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Inez Crenshaw and David Denson. She married Pastor Allen Huddleston in 1981 — her gift from God — and the two have built a beautiful life together over 44 years of marriage. She is the proud mother of one son, Allen Huddleston Jr., and a grandmother to two beloved grandsons. She is also blessed with one of the finest daughters-in-law a family could ask for.

Education & Career

Barbara graduated from Merced High School in 1979. She went on to serve with distinction for nineteen years at Farmers Insurance in Merced. After leaving her career, she made the devoted decision to become a stay-at-home mother, dedicating herself fully to raising her son, Allen Jr.

Community Service & Passion

An avid sports lover, Barbara played softball and traveled throughout Merced County and across different states doing what she loved. She stood faithfully alongside her husband during his twenty-seven-year tenure as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Merced Junior College, where she stepped into the role of Team Mom. She cared for the players’ children so the young women could attend class and complete their college degrees without having to choose between family and education.

Barbara’s love for children and her passion for guiding young mothers became a hallmark of her life. She never wanted these ladies to give up or quit school. She volunteered her time and opened her home to ensure they finished what they started. Through her unwavering support and encouragement, many of these young women went on to earn their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees.

Church & Ministry Service

First Lady Barbara serves faithfully at St. Matthew Baptist Church, where she was baptized. Over more than 45 years of dedicated service, she has held the roles of Administrator, Pastor’s Secretary, and Director of the Choir. She is also an active participant in the Shower Ministry, which serves the homeless in the Merced community.

First Lady Barbara is widely known as the person to call when a community choir is needed. Her gift for bringing different churches together through music and ministry has made her an irreplaceable pillar in the greater Merced faith community.

“A woman of faith, family & community”

Evenings in the Park