St. Matthew's Parish was established by the S.C. Colonial Assembly between 1765 and 1768. The first of four church buildings was erected in Amelia Township c. 1765. The parish church was incorporated by the S.C. General Assembly in 1788 as the Vestry and Church Wardens of the Parish of St. Matthew. The current sanctuary, known for many years as "The Red Church," was built in 1852.