Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, Worcester

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, located on Southbridge Street in Worcester, stands as an enduring symbol of Gothic Revival architecture with Romanesque elements. Designed by Stephen Earle of Earle and Fisher and constructed by the Norcross Brothers, this historic church was built in 1894 with significant funding from Matthew Whittall, a prominent industrialist and owner of Whittall Mills. The church was consecrated in May 1896, following the destruction of an earlier wooden chapel in 1883. On March 5, 1980, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Saint Matthew’s.

Episcopal worship in Worcester began in 1835 with Reverend Thomas Vail and twelve families holding services in the Town Hall. All Saints Church remained the main congregation until after the Civil War. In 1869, Reverend William Huntington founded Saint Matthew’s as the first of four mission chapels. The original wooden chapel (1871) was replaced in 1882. After a fire, parishioner Matthew Whittall, involved since 1874, funded the land and construction of the current church.

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church showcases the English Gothic Revival style, inspired by medieval English parish churches. Built from rusticated granite with dark sandstone trim, it features a square tower, a side porch, and pointed-arch windows. A small gargoyle nods to European cathedrals. Inside, a central aisle leads through the nave to a recessed chancel framed by a pointed arch and stained-glass window. A dark wood-beamed ceiling and a suspended carved roof enhance the medieval feel, while choir stalls with ornate carvings reflect monastic traditions.

Today, Saint Matthew’s remains a significant landmark, preserving the history of Episcopal worship and immigrant heritage in Worcester. It continues to stand as a lasting tribute to the faith, craftsmanship, and community spirit of those who built and sustained it through the decades.