The Founders' Chapel where the first two pastors of the parish, Rev. Michael McCabe and his brother Rev. Msgr. Luke McCabe are buried.


Rt. Rev. Msgr. Luke McCabe, D.D., LL.D. the second pastor of Saint Matthias Church

Rev. Msgr. Luke V. McCabe +
1918-1930

Rev. Thomas J. Hanney +
1930-1948

Rev. Msgr. James E. Heir +
1948-1968

Rev. Msgr. John J. Noone +
 1968-1982

Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Kane +
1982-1990

Rev. Msgr. Arthur E. Rodgers
1990-2010

Rev. Msgr. Michael T. McCulken
2010-2014


Rev. Msgr. Gerard C. Mesure
2014-2021

 

Rev. Sean P. Bransfield
 2021 - 2022


 Rev. Brian Kean
 2022 - 2023

Rev. Msgr. Francis W. Beach
2023 - 2024

 Rev. Joseph F. Gleason

Saint Matthias Parish was founded by Archbishop John Ryan on February 2, 1906. The first Mass was celebrated by Father Michael McCabe, the founding Pastor, on that day in the Lonergan home, Union Avenue and Conshohocken State Road.

The Church was dedicated on November 8, 1908 by Archbishop Ryan. The Church was renovated in 1931 at which time the mural paintings were added.

The school was opened in 1915 consisting of six grades. The total enrollment at that time was 19 pupils taught by two Sisters of Mercy. Over the years St. Matthias has been blessed with the presence of many holy and devoted Sisters of Mercy.

The original parish school and the convent for the Sisters of Mercy were later built in the same picturesque architectural style as the church, lending themselves particularly to the beautiful suburban area.

Under Monsignor John Noone, a new parish school building and a combination gymnasium / cafeteria / social hall were built in 1970. Over Christmas vacation in December 1970, furniture, supplies, and books were moved from the original school into the new building. Classes in the new school building began in January 1971.

The Church was extensively renovated between 1998 - 1999.  From Christmas 1998 to Easter 1999 the church was closed and Mass was celebrated in the parish center.  During this renovation, among other things, the sanctuary was expanded, the church painted, the electrical system was updated, the lighting system was replaced, and new sanctuary furniture was donated.  

                            
 

The first floor of the former school building was renovated (2000) to serve as a parish center. A new handicapped accessible entrance was added to the front of the building. A large room was designed for large meetings and parish social events. Two other rooms have been designed to serve as meeting rooms. A small kitchen was installed to provide services for social events held in the Parish Center. Seven small classrooms were made to serve the needs of the parish CCD (aka PREP) program.

In 2006 the pastor, Monsignor Arthur Rodgers, led the the parish in celebrating its 100th anniversary (see video below).  Events included a Centenary Mass, a celebration dinner, and an all class Saint Matthias School reunion. A magnificent commemorative book on the parish's history was compiled to mark the occasion.
During this time and in the years that followed some important parish activities included the annual International Supper, Bible Study, the "Highlanders" senior's group, the "Camp Matthias Vacation Bible Camp", an annual volunteer dinner or breakfast with the awarding of the "volunteer of the year award". first Tuesday of the month adoration, coffee socials after Mass, the daily rosary group, Evangelical Catholic small groups, and St. John's Hospice casserole and peanut butter and jelly sandwhich collections.

In 2018 a long term lease of the former school building was negotiated with a day care school. An extensive renovation of the former convent (108 N Highland Ave.) was completed during 2019 so that it could serve as the new Parish Center.  It became home to the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) as well as the parish offices (moved from the rectory) and parish meeting space. PREP began meeting in the space in January 2020.  

The PREP year, the new Parish Center grand opening, and the move of the parish offices, however, were all delayed  by the COVID 19 pandemic.  Due to the pandemic public Mass was not celebrated in the church during the Spring of 2020. Most parish activities were suspended and masks had to be worn in church during Mass until the end of May 2021.

Of course, our parish history cannot be reduced to buildings and special events. Most importantly it is found in God's love and grace. This love has been experienced by generations of parishioners through each other, with prayer, in the Sacraments, and through the abiding presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The mission of St. Matthias Parish will reach its completion in the glory of heaven.
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