Savannah Standard

City officials and community leaders in Savannah will gather on Friday, March 28, to designate a portion of E. Broad St. as Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Way. This honorary street name designation was approved by the City Council on December 19, 2024, following approval from the Historic Sites and Monuments Commission on December 5, 2024. The ceremony will occur at the intersection of E. Broad St. and Hartridge St.

Rev. Brown served as pastor of St. John Baptist Church “The Mighty Fortress” for over 35 years, contributing significantly to the community through initiatives such as housing facilities for the elderly and handicapped and educational centers. He passed away on November 21, 2021, at age 99.

Born in Savannah on July 16, 1922, Rev. Brown grew up in a duplex owned by his parents at Hartridge St., graduated from Cuyler-Beach High School in 1943, and served in World War II as a non-commissioned officer after enlisting in the U.S. Army.

In 1961, he earned a B.D. degree from the American Baptist Seminary in Nashville and was ordained at the Historic First African Baptist Church that same year. After serving at First Smyrna Baptist Church and Royal Missionary Baptist Church, he became pastor of St. John Baptist Church in 1969 until his retirement in 2004.

Rev. Brown's contributions included dedicating St. John Villa as a housing complex for seniors and disabled individuals in 1986 and establishing the Matthew Southall Brown Resources and Learning Center two years later.

After a fire destroyed the church in 1993, Rev. Brown led efforts to rebuild with community support while hosting "Thought for the Day" on WSOK AM radio.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II commented on Rev. Brown’s passing: “For many of us, he was a father, mentor, confidant, encourager, and trailblazer...The teacher has left the classroom.”

The event is open to the public with E. Broad St., between Nicoll St., closed from 1 p.m to 2:30 p.m for this occasion; drivers are advised to find alternative routes.

This honorary street naming aims to honor individuals who have made significant contributions without altering official street names.