Anderson, Matthew
Matthew Anderson (1845-1928)
Matthew Anderson, the son of Mary and Timothy Anderson, was born in Greencastle, PA. 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.
by Aslaku Berhanu
References
Anderson, Matthew. Presbyterianism : its Relation to the Negro. Philadelphia: J.M. White, 1897.