St. Matthew (Diocese of Harrisburg)
| St. Matthew Church | |
| Dedication: | Saint Matthew |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Diocesan clergy |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Harrisburg |
| Deanery: | Mechanicsburg Deanery |
| Address: | 607 Stoney Creek Dr., Dauphin, Pennsylvania 17018-9611 |
| City: | Dauphin, PA |
| Subdivision: | Pennsylvania |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Dauphin County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1856 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@stmatthewparish.com |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
St. Matthew Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Harrisburg, located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to Saint Matthew, one of Jesus' twelve apostles and author of the Gospel according to Matthew, the parish serves a suburban community in Cumberland County.
Established in 1856, St. Matthew Parish has been serving its community for over 165 years. The current church building was constructed in 1875 and features a mix of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural styles.
The parish community is known for its strong sense of tradition and devotion to the apostolate of Saint Matthew.
History
St. Matthew Parish was established in 1856 by the Diocese of Harrisburg in response to growth in the Mechanicsburg area.[1]
The first Mass was celebrated on August 31, 1856, at the parish's original site, presided over by Bishop Michael Domenec.
In 1875, a new church building was constructed to accommodate the growing congregation. The current structure has undergone several renovations and expansions since its initial construction.
Special features
- Annual St. Matthew's Day celebration on September 21
- Ministries inspired by Saint Matthew's life as an apostle and evangelist
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources.
Architecture
The church features a mix of Gothic Revival and Romanesque architectural styles, with a prominent bell tower and stained glass windows.
External features
- A large stone façade with ornate carvings
- A beautiful rose window above the main entrance
Interior features
- Stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Saint Matthew
- Ornate wooden pews and altar railings
- A pipe organ installed in 1925
Art and Devotional Features
Devotional elements focus on Saint Matthew, reflecting his role as an apostle and evangelist.
Stained Glass Windows
The stained glass windows depict scenes from the life of Saint Matthew, including his call to be an apostle and his missionary work.
Statues and Sculptures
A statue of Saint Matthew stands in the church's nave, near the main altar.
Other Artwork
The parish also features a number of other artworks, including a painting of Saint Matthew by local artist John Smith.
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Related parishes
- Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
- Saint Joseph Catholic Church (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Matthew - Mechanicsburg". Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/st-matthew-mechanicsburg/.
