Residents of Savannah come together to honor the legacy of a beloved pastor.
This weekend, Savannah will pay tribute to Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr., who served at St. John Baptist Church for 35 years. A street will be renamed in his honor, marking the emotional dedication ceremony set for March 28. Brown, a WWII veteran and a pioneer for social justice, impacted many lives in the community. The renaming serves as a reminder of his legacy of service, unity, and compassion, inspiring future generations. The community is invited to come together to celebrate his remarkable life.
This weekend, Savannah will pay heartfelt tribute to a man who shaped not only the local faith community but also the lives of countless individuals within it. Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr., who served for an incredible 35 years at St. John Baptist Church, will have a street named in his honor: “Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Way.” The official dedication ceremony is set for Saturday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m., and it promises to be an emotional occasion.
Pastor Brown, who lived to the ripe age of 99 before passing away on November 21, 2021, was an important figure in Savannah’s history. During World War II, he bravely served in the U.S. Army as part of the 9th Division, 60th Infantry Regiment, Company E. Not only was he a soldier, but he also made his mark as one of the first African Americans who took significant steps toward desegregating the military. His experiences during that tumultuous time laid the groundwork for many who would come after him.
Reverend Brown didn’t stop at military service; he exemplified dedicated leadership in his church community as well. Over three decades, he led the St. John Baptist Church, where he was revered as a spiritual father, mentor, and a guiding light for many in Savannah. His influence resonated beyond the walls of the church; it extended into the heart of the community, touching the lives of those who were fortunate to know him. He faced the challenges of Jim Crow segregation, yet he did so without bitterness, embodying grace and resilience.
On March 28, the stretch of East Broad Street between Hartridge and Nicoll Streets will become “Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Way.” Local officials, community members, and family are expected to gather for a ceremony that will not only celebrate Brown’s life and achievements but will also serve as a reminder of the values he stood for: unity, compassion, and service to others. Savannah mayor Van Johnson emphasized the loss felt by the community, extending condolences to Brown’s family while highlighting the influence he had on future generations of faith leaders.
Brown’s legacy continues to inspire many. As people gather to honor his memory, they also reflect on how his teachings and example can guide future leaders in Savannah and beyond. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched, and the street renaming is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to helping others grow stronger in their faith and community.
This Saturday, as Savannah gathers to rename a street in honor of Reverend Matthew Southall Brown Sr., residents are reminded of the enduring impact one person can have. With a history steeped in dedication, service, and love, the memory of Pastor Brown will continue to shine brightly in the city. This celebration serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together, honoring a trailblazer whose influence will never be forgotten.
So, mark your calendars! Come out, share stories, and celebrate a remarkable life that forever changed the fabric of Savannah.
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