Outsider Visits Thriving, Downtown Episcopal Church (It Bucks the Trend)

This video is a part of something I've been calling the Church Unity Project. These videos are meant to help non-Christians understand all the different expressions of historical, orthodox Christianity better, and they're meant to help Christians understand and like each other better. There's a ton more videos like this Episcopal Church video you're watching that you can find here: • Church Unity Project
If you are seeing what I'm going for here and you resonate with it, you can support the project at www.thetmbh.co...
It's also totally cool if you don't. Thanks a ton for watching either way.

[@ced6725]

FINALLY MORE EPISCOPALIAN REPRESENTATION 🎉🎉🎉

[@watermaster2197]

This gentleman is a great representative of the Via Media. Thanks!

[@zudduz]

That man is a blessing to his church. The mug says "Your enthusiasm is scaring everyone". I'm guessing it was a gift that someone gave him.

[@jacobshepard654]

that that comment is 👍. I see what ya did there

[@lindamascioli4518]

Love this series...so great! Looking forward to Part 2 of this one. Confirmed Episcopalian last year...still learning and loving the Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, weekly Eucharist, rhythms of the Christian calendar, the beauty of the Anglican Communion, working with others in charitable good works and being free to be relaxed and accepted - . Thanks for all you do, Matt!

[@jimhuster1073]

Aslan is on the move in unexpected places. Great interview!

[@zuffin1864]

in the council of nicaea, there was a representative of the british church. They did not hold to the exclusivism the catholic church later had, and saw each church leader leading valid arms of the God's Kingdom on Earth. Point is, celtic and anglican churches are as old as Eastern orthodox, roman catholic, ethiopian and Arminian churches

[@paulreilly4510]

Thank you Matt for resisting all of the "us/them" impulses on our behalf. Categorizing is something we have to fight in ourselves wherever we hail from.

[@teresamerkel7161]

I truly feel that all Christian churches are part of the body of Christ and each has emphasis on important truths. (Which churches belong? I think I leave that up to the Ultimate Judge, namely Jesus.) Thank you so much for this series.

[@zjb1711]

I’m gen z and I’m proud to be a Christian I pray that other gen z and the upcoming gen alpha find god

[@tracieh215]

JOIN US!

[@anotherbrenda]

I'm so sorry, I accidentally hit the thumbs down! I swapped it for the thumbs up right away. I hope that doesn't count against you. I love your content! Hi from Australia, where everything is upside down including the like buttons, apparently....

[@TheStevenstatzer]

I REALLY like this guy, and I REALLY like this series. Thanks for making these Matt, they are common conversation topics at my church in my friend group.

[@georgecarlson1460]

The Anglican tradition is, at its heart, very Benedictine even though many of us don't even realize it.

[@danielblakeney7575]

Have you read the book "English Spirituality" by Thornton? Though it covers sooo many wonderful areas of spirituality, I would say the ultimate point of his book was what you just said!

[@immaculateboy]

@@danielblakeney7575I totally didn’t just order this book after your reply lol 🫣

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Hey Matt, haven't said it in a while but I still appreciate what you're doing. Keep it up!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks, my friend.

[@TheodenEdnewDoesDnD]

It warms my heart to find out that you are interested in theology.

[@bombofbombe]

As an Episcopalian I'm going to do my duty to not agree with that Priest. I think having a church with only 15 people is fine in rural areas, sometimes there just isn't the population to have something bigger. Remember, ask 100 Episcopalians their opinion and you'll get 101 answers 😉

[@RobertCooper1999]

Ha, I like that last sentence!

[@juliachristine9412]

Great interview! I attended an episcopal church here in Richmond, Virginia. This church is very similar to ours, built in 1837. We are growing and have a lot of young families, and i believe it's because we focus on scripture and not on to tides of the world. ❤❤

[@wesmorgan7729]

Hey, fellow Episcopal Richmonder

[@b.r.holmes6365]

I love to hear that.

[@jsharp3165]

Watching you guys go all Dueling History Nerds was epic. Also, I need his coffee mug. Now.

[@sunrhyze]

😆😆

[@matthewweston643]

WOW!!! Cool to see an Episcopal criticize pandering to the culture. Especially his very fair critique of Clergy. On a completely different note. Im sure Orthodox and Catholics feel weird watching coffee drinking in the Temple. Just a different Ecclesiology.

[@dimitritriantafyllides682]

Yeah, Orthodox here. Also the leaning up against the railing of what I assume is the altar area behind him.

[@jordandraper2284]

To Matt's question about what this particular tradition brings to the table of the Christian Church, I've heard the Anglican way described like this: "We're as catholic (universal, i.e.: reaching into the history of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church) as we can be without offending reformation principles." I like that vision, and I hold to it for my own idea of what it is to be and Anglican Christian.

[@draconious4005]

I love that you’re covering more Episcopal churches! Your video on the Episcopal church in Vegas was actually one of the factors in me choosing to attend an Episcopal church myself!

[@tayevaughnwilliams431]

14:24 Daily in the Word Weekly at the Table Annually in the story of God Love that!

[@nyakanyasko]

I loved the part about how the goal is for everyone to be able to live as a monk and pray the Bible every day.

[@jsharp3165]

I love the Daily Office. It used to be harder to do, flipping back and forth between different prayers, collects, and antiphons in the BCP, the psalter, and your bible. But now it's all in an app or on a website, sorted out for us. It's great.

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

Episcopalians have had red carpet in every Episcopalian church I've ever been in.

[@MrPeach1]

@@dalezegarelli5553 its a neat observation. I will keep my eye out to see if it is true.

[@masterchief8179]

@@dalezegarelli5553 I do. I find it very curious, actually.

[@MrPeach1]

@@dalezegarelli5553 breath friend. It's going to be ok.

[@juliachristine9412]

Lol I have seen it alot ... not at my episcopal church. We have marble tiles no carpet 😊

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

@@juliachristine9412 Do you know if it has any liturgical significance? Like the pope's red shoes?

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

When I was Protestant, I was no longer relevant after Studying The Bible. Evangelical charismatics I was surrounded by absolutely hated it towards the end of my Protestant Days. This priest is pretty much speaking my language. I May Be Orthodox Now, but I'm grateful for people like this man!! The charismatic megachurches wanna attract the world by being hip. That's why people like Mike Todd are so popular. In Contrast, people like Cliff Parks Junior have no following, because they don't try and be hip and cool. The Try To Be Real.

[@nicholasshaler7442]

Absolutely wild to my Catholic brain to see your host drinking coffee inside his church.

[@matthewweston643]

Indeed

[@larrywave]

Interesting 🤔

[@matthewweston643]

@@larrywave The Protestant churches are like the successor of the Jewish synagogue. It's all about the written Word of God. Teaching and preaching. Liturgical Churches are often not as good as that (although we should be). They are also the successor of the Jewish Temple. We truly believe that communion is a Sacrifice. Not a repeat of the Sacrifice of Calvary but presenting that One Sacrifice in the hear and now. So....In a synagogue it can be more casual. But no Jewish Priest would dare drink coffee in the Holy Temple.

[@vngelicath1580]

​@matthewweston643 I think most Protestant responses would be... where is that commanded (in Scripture) that you can't do that? I'm not saying that to be flippant, but I think there is an issue of perspectival difference. Historic Protestants believe in the sacramental/sacrificial dimension of eucharistic worship. But we ALSO are concerned about the danger of superstition/legalism inherent in much of the Roman/Eastern practice surrounding these activities. So, in essence, the difference between Protestants and Roman Catholics isn't so much theological or liturgical (we agree on the 'what' of the mass).. But what the main error we see the other guilty of: superstitious legalism? Or irreverent desecration. There's an element of error on either side -- we would say a _Corpus Christi_ procession would be a horrible misuse of Christ's presence (tied in to a framework of meritorious indulgence) whereas our blindspot might be putting the blood of Christ in shotglasses (which is just as much an abuse of the presence).

[@matthewweston643]

@@vngelicath1580 Leviticus. Their are copious rules about the Temple and the Priesthood. Now....We are NOT under the Old Covenant. Yet, we read the Old Testament to understand the Faith. Do we not?

[@jeremyyap1714]

Matt, this is probably the best interviewee you've had on your channel, ever. Rev Matt is so knowledgeable, eloquent, and delivered his answers with such charisma! You're a great interviewer for allowing him to speak extensively. I'm looking forward to watch your upcoming video with him, and I must say that I'd be happy to see you bring him back on the channel more as well! PS: As a long-time subscriber, this video and the ones you did at the ACNA church are my all-time favorites! There's just something about Anglicanism, isn't there?

[@bluehose95]

New fav unlocked! But srsly tho...I'm enamored with people with this much knowledge and passion. Rev. Matt really hooked me with his answer to "what kind of church are you?" The conversation from then on filled me with more hope than I've had in a while. Thanks for this one, Matt. You both knocked it out of the park. And, fwiw, I'd watch a whole series of "Convos with Matt and Matt." Thanks for all you do!

[@Matzah1982]

I’m a native of the Shenandoah valley of VA. and in VA. we have many historic Episcopal churches. My favorite is the R. E. Lee memorial Episcopal church in Lexington VA. where Robert E. Lee attended after the war between the states when he lived in Lexington in a house he rented from the widow of Stonewall Jackson and served as the president of Washington college that was later named Washington and Lee university in his honor as was his parish

[@wesmorgan7729]

Lexington, VA is a great town, wish they would bring back their appreciation of its history

[@Matzah1982]

@@wesmorgan7729 I’m from Harrisonburg VA. myself

[@wesmorgan7729]

@@Matzah1982 nice, I'm in Richmond

[@jaceyarnett4441]

Gaining a lot of interest towards the Episcopal Church after reading The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory.

[@matthewmarino3501]

I should disambiguate the beginning: The Spanish settlers spoke Spanish. They were Roman Catholic so they surely worshipped in Latin. :-)

[@ChristianSalzillo]

Wow, the story of the Episcopalian missionary coming ashore during the Yellow Fever epidemic. That's moving. Another great video, Matt!

[@matthewweston643]

Yes. But listen to the story again. The Catholic Priests were already there ministering to the sick. Doesn't negate nor minimize the greatness of that good and holy Christian man. Just something I picked up on.

[@dimitritriantafyllides682]

Make sure you visit the St. Photios shrine of the Greek Orthodox church!

[@milhans]

This is a fantastic interview. I like the minister/priest.

[@richardsaintjohn8391]

Priest

[@iloveamerica007]

The Anglican communion is based on reason and scriptures. So the tent is big. All are welcome!

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Slmost all Episcopal churches have red soors. It stmbolized (among orher things) the lamb's vlood at Passover.

[@Rockthedice]

Idk Matt you always seem to vibe with conservative anglicans

[@babyboy1971]

This is excellent. I’m a gen X Episcopalian. I HIGHLY recommend the book, “The Nineties” by Chuck Klosterman. He echoes your thought about how the 90’s fits (or doesn’t fit) into today, not so much just the church but the entire culture. Great book. Speaking of books, may I ask what Bible is on your desk? Looks well read and solid.

[@jldrumm]

"It looks like silly pandering." Spot on!

[@marilynbassford2910]

My Great Great Grandfather , Thomas W Bassford, was a soldier in the Rockingham Rifles, although due to his age, he never actually left Harrisonburg, VA before or during the Civil War. But, he was mightily impressed with General Kirby Smith, and named his youngest son after his favorite general: Kirby Smith Bassford.

[@tamaradelaporte8199]

Why am I just now seeing this? Thank you Mr. Whitman! Fr. Matt is a blessing to our parish. This was an excellent episode.

[@alphinjosephchackochan8906]

Sir, please visit a Maronite Catholic Church, Syro Malabar Catholic Church and Syro Malankara Catholic Church

[@joshuabrowning_music]

Matt, have you ever reached out to interview anyone in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN assembly)?

[@markjoseph196]

Episcopal Priest John Freeman Young wrote and published the english translation of Stille Nacht ( Silent Night), that is most frequently sung today..

[@karlstrauss2330]

Finally, a priest who speaks boldly and is unashamed of American history. We need more dudes like him in the Church

[@timmysleftnutsack5075]

American anglo history pretty pathetic, American Spanish and native history is dope

[@Fenster21]

I love these videos. Nothing like learning about my sect and others through the fresh eyes of a someone who grew up with a completely different faith tradition. I also had no idea of the incredible history of a lot of these incredible structures in the US. Catholic btw.

[@SotS1689]

I loved this interview. The man is thoughtful and many times I felt as if he were speaking directly to me.

[@rajivthind1491]

Boy those episcopalians can be tall and their denomination is so hard to spell.

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

I really enjoy the American historical aspect of this tour. I'm really inspired by this, one armed general.

[@tuckernewsome219]

Hey matt if you ever make a trip through Paducah kentucky i'd love for you to come visit my little episcopal church!

[@schnelletruppenreenacting1959]

24:39 love what he just said! But unfortunately I don't believe the Episcopal churches for the most part given how liberal the denomination is.

[@peacecraft3449]

Would love to see you visit a Quaker meeting house

[@jhagler03]

Loved this interview - one of my favs so far!

[@Sebman1113]

You should visit a historic Norwegian Lutheran church in the Great Plains of Minnesota or North Dakota, there are some very beautiful churches in that tradition.

[@EmilyS-gk3st]

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I know very well what it's like for the world to not be my friend. But it wasn't Jesus', either. Never was, never will be. Stay strong brother!

[@LlywellynOBrien]

I really really like this guy. I think he's got it right on so many fronts. Keeping our head in the Bible (and worship/prayer and the Sacraments for most of us) keeps us out of trouble. How many of the worst moments in historical and contemporary Chruch life could have been avoided with a little less politics and a little more Bible!

[@Lorrainecats]

Fantastic video. Really like this church and this pastor.

[@AgileK9TopDog]

Wow! Matt, this is one of your best. Thank you.

[@Jofsaxony]

I wish this church was closer. Ha. GREAT conversation to be on the wall for

[@wesmorgan7729]

Great interview and glad to see what seems to be a biblically solid Episcopal church. A group I'm in, the Episcopal Fellowship for Renewal is working to restore and reform TEC.

[@poesia-com-cafeina]

That is a very noble task and I hope that you are successful. I am currently in RCIA in the Catholic church but some things have happened that have made me start to think that I may be more theologically anglo catholic than full on Catholic. The church in the video is only 30 mins away from me so I might check it out. The episcopal churches closer to me are a little off the rails.

[@ThomasMusings]

Wow. This may be your most informative video ever.

[@sawyerhyatt8233]

Fun fact: Edmund Kirby-Smith is buried at the University of the South, which is the leading seminary of the Episcopal Church.

[@Taco0718]

Historical correction. It was James Oglethorpe, not Francis Drake, who attacked the Castillo in 1740. Drake did capture St. Augustine, but before the Castillo.

[@sergioolivas8549]

I got a history lesson out of this video!! Like always this great video

[@StaywithJesus123r5]

Could you visit and REC Church please. Reformed Episcopal Church. Thank you in advance. Bishop Ray Suttons church is Dallas I believe is the like the head quarters.

[@stopyraful]

Trinity Episcopal Church is a going, growing church where Christ and His Word hold central attention. A faith that doesn’t change your life, won’t change your heart and hearts and lives are changed here. Trinity is also building a second campus at World Golf Village.

[@AELmom-fs4jq]

Hey, Matt, I highly recommend a visit to St. Martin’s Chapel in Sturgis! I attended an All Soul’s service there last night and couldn’t believe this beautiful gem was right in my little town! There’s also a beautiful cemetery behind it. 😊

[@CJBeez1]

I think you'd get along with the current Rector of St. Mary's E.C. in Daytona Beach, FL. He's very similar to that minister.

[@larrywave]

This was one of the best 👌

[@MinteRed]

What the pastor was saying about a recovery of reading the Bible is a little colored because the readings are part of the Daily Office. Anglicanism is a tradition that has emphasized liturgical prayer, which includes reading the Scripture.

[@juanreyna2725]

Matt, may I ask what church you attend? Did you grow up evangelical?

[@belisariobenites1091]

Super excellent interview. Thank you very much.

[@kallie_w]

Hey Matt, would you ever consider crossing the border and visiting the United Church of Canada? It would be so awesome to see you conduct one of your amazing interviews here, and I think you would find our church quite unique and interesting! Sending love and blessings from up north ❤️

[@Taco0718]

Love St. Augustine! Love Trinity Church. So cool that you are there.

[@sandysmith510]

hi matt. i have an ecumenical upbringing. at least thats how it seems. i grew up in an episcopal church in catonsville, md. in the early 70s a priest became a Christian. of course Jesus changed catonsville. my parents and i were members. i then attended a lutheran school, and then a baptist school and an assembly of God centered school. i now attend an anglican church , which has its basis in the episcopal church. most of the members have episcopal history. st timothys was hated by the episcopal diaocese and now it is gone. church of the good Shepherd is now where i attend about 1/2 a mile from the old st timothys.

[@jimmycain8669]

The buildings are the only decent part of the Episcopal church left.

[@MichaelBray1]

This Is Excellent!

[@Psychoveliatonet]

These videos are awesome! Always such a treat to see these. That Civil War story at the beginning was incredible. Really makes you think 🤔

[@RobertCooper1999]

Anglicanism on Matt Whitman's channel? Lets GOOOOOO

[@amyhatzigiannis4148]

Another fabulous video!!! Thank you Matt. St Augustine is one of my favorite cities in the world!!!

[@xxrandmlinksxxbruh2419]

I like this guy

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

I know they say you need to know where you have been ((history) to know where youre going (future), but I feel sometimes we focus too much on our past that it determines our present and we loose sight of the future.

[@cbigg81]

This was one of the best interviews you've done. That church is pretty cool!! I don't know that I understand their space or dogma any better but I could listen to you two talk for hours.

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

I disagree w this priest though on numbers. The First Christians Met in homes, In houses. Fifteen people isn't a small group.

[@nestycb6702]

Calling 'historic' a 18th century church is kinda cute. The church just across my street was built in the 13th century over the debris of a much older mosque, which before that was a gothic temple, and earlier was part of a roman theatre before the birth of JC himself.

[@cbboyle5117]

I don’t know for sure, but I believe you live someplace much older than the United States, so I would say ‘historic’ is relative in this case, and ‘kinda cute’ is extremely condescending and unnecessary.

[@matthewrappe7667]

Thats a great reason to go back to St. Augustine!

[@lindayanez9519]

I love your videos! I always learn a lot!

[@josephcox6632]

Great interview - thanks.

[@jonbold]

Two Matts, equally fearless!

[@Alfredsparks]

I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for doing these! -Presbyterian (OPC)

[@jerrybagwell1868]

Thank your for this video. A couple years ago I joined the Episcopal church. What Father said about the making monks of people and the rhythm of daily life in the Anglican church is what drew me to it. The "concert church" entertainment was getting old and I longed for something more like my Methodist childhood again. The Parish I attend reminds me so much of this church in theory. It is growing and thriving. I see young people and young families moving to more traditional church. Also, The Episcopalians kind of set up different theological parishes within the dioceses. You will find in a community a high conservative parish, middle parish, and a quite liberal parish. All Episcopal with different slants. All for the glory of God.

[@HeatherFonseca]

I’m so happy I found you Matt! This is a fascinating series and I’m looking forward to watching all of them. I’m a “cradle” catholic but I’m very interested in other Christian denominations and how they worship. I found you through your recent conversation with redeemed zoomer (I love his little videos on different denominations.) Anyway thanks for all these wonderful tours and interviews! I’m learning so much.

[@cbboyle5117]

There is a small, truly beautiful Norman style Episcopal church in Laurel, Mississippi, St. John’s Episcopal Church. Instead of pointed arches (Gothic), the arches are rounded, as in a Roman viaduct. You should go visit!

[@danthiel8623]

very interesting

[@rickeguitar9086]

Hey Matt! What about the next program is about the oldest disciples of Christ, Messianic Judaism?

[@tpcpadmin4970]

Hey Matt, Clint here, host of The Psychedelic Christian Podcast. Man I love these videos where you visit churches. As an Episcopalian, I enjoyed this one particularly. I shared this video in the show notes of my most recent podcast episode, and I also encouraged my listeners to check out your channel. I think this is a great thing you’re doing brother. 🙌

[@aceatlas5523]

I’ve been hoping you’d go here !

[@mafakefoot]

Where have you been in my life before today. Loved this conversation/history / philosophy today!! Cradle Episcopalian now Anglican. I will follow you!! maryann Dallas Tx ❤❤

[@marianballenger8574]

Just so fulll of information at his fingertips. When the spiritual leaders appear to be pandering, it is crushing. Up seems to be down and down seems to be up. Crushing to the heart and mind is putting it lightly. Thank you for untangling things a bit. I can't fathom receiving communion and not believe the nicene creed.

[@berylmichaeldumont1763]

Matt, I've literally stumbled upon your You Tube channel and I am so impressed as well as happy that I am learning more about those things you are presenting. Thank you. I am now a follower. Mike in South Carolina

[@Nate_Higgins]

So good. Thank you so much for doing these. I'm learning so much about Christianity and the denominations thru this.

[@immaculateboy]

I’m loving the history, Matt! Keep asking the good questions.