New Direction Missionary Baptist Church & Greater Seattle Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Pastor

Rev. Matthew Jerome Thornton, the most tenured Baptist pastor in Seattle, passed on April 5, 2023 at age 75.

Known for his eloquent prayers; biblical-based gospel teachings, powerful gospel preaching; kindness, gentle heart and smile.

Pastor Thornton was a staple in the church community, in the City of Seattle; throughout the Pacific Northwest; and across the Nation. Having pastored for 49 years, Pastor Thornton frequently was called to preach revivals in Detroit, MI; Fort Worth, TX, and several cities in the States of Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.

Pastor Thornton consistently and insistently preached and taught compassionate love. He saw humanity in everyone; teaching his flock to give and to serve those in need. He always described New Direction as “a church small enough to care but big enough to do something about it”. Pastor Thornton was an authentic First Servant—humble and always leading by example, the first to serve and to give to those facing hardship in our church, city, and country.

He was humble and truly a spiritual father to NDMBC members.

Always dispensing sound doctrine, and tough truths with a loving spirit and genuine care. Pastor Thornton’s legacy will live on through the NDMBC where he faithfully served since 1994.

The Thornton Family invites you to help celebrate the life of Pastor Matthew J. Thornton during two services: Friday, April 28, 2023, Memorial Services to be held 7:00 pm at the New Direction Missionary Baptist Church, 755 S Homer St, Seattle WA 98108; and Saturday, April 29, 2023 Celebration of Life Services to be held 10:00 am at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2801 S Jackson St, Seattle WA 98144

New Direction Missionary Baptist Church and the Greater Seattle Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Pastor