St. Matthew Parish Celebrates 175th Anniversary

Archbishop Nelson Pérez leads 'full-to-the-brim' Mass and breakfast marking the milestone for the Conshohocken church.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. To kick off the Jubilee Anniversary Year, Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrated Mass at the church on February 8th, marked by stunning artwork, beautiful liturgical music reflecting the parish's Irish roots, and a full congregation. Following the Mass, parishioners gathered for a breakfast prepared by volunteers, showing the excitement for the future of St. Matthew's and its rich history in the community.

Why it matters

St. Matthew Parish has been a cornerstone of the Conshohocken community for 175 years, adapting and serving its parishioners throughout the decades. The parish's milestone anniversary celebration highlights its enduring role and the importance of community-based religious institutions, even as the demographics of the area have changed over time.

The details

The current grand, cathedral-like church on Fayette Street was completed in 1919, featuring a soaring white marble altar and stunning stained-glass windows. The parish choir, organ, and violin accompaniment elevated the beauty of the anniversary Mass, with the music director intentionally incorporating some Celtic-influenced pieces to reflect the church's historical Irish roots. In his homily, Archbishop Pérez discussed the importance of gratitude during the jubilee year and the need for the parish to continue evolving to best serve its parishioners.

  • St. Matthew Parish was founded in 1851.
  • The current church building was completed in 1919.
  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrated the anniversary Mass on February 8, 2026.
  • The parish will host additional jubilee events throughout 2026, including a Spring Fling Parish Reunion on April 18, a Jubilee Mass and Parish Picnic with Bishop Chylinski on September 20, and a Veteran's and First Responders Mass on November 8.

The players

Archbishop Nelson Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia who celebrated the 175th anniversary Mass at St. Matthew Parish.

Gareth Haynes

The new music director at St. Matthew Parish who has been working to grow the choir and music program, including incorporating Celtic-influenced pieces for the jubilee Mass.

Sam Taylor

A parishioner of St. Matthew's who expressed excitement about the full congregation and the parish's bright future after the anniversary Mass.

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What they’re saying

“We will try to offer some special services in the Easter season as well, just building on the momentum of the 175th and capitalizing on the excitement around that.”

— Gareth Haynes, Music Director (catholicphilly.com)

“It's so awesome to see our parish full to the brim. St. Matthew has been so good to us and we are so glad that Archbishop Pérez was able to come and celebrate our faith community with us!”

— Sam Taylor, Parishioner (catholicphilly.com)

What’s next

St. Matthew Parish will host additional jubilee events throughout 2026, including a Spring Fling Parish Reunion on April 18, a Jubilee Mass and Parish Picnic with Bishop Chylinski on September 20, and a Veteran's and First Responders Mass on November 8.

The takeaway

St. Matthew Parish's 175th anniversary celebration showcases the enduring importance of community-based religious institutions, even as the demographics of an area change over time. The parish's ability to adapt and serve its parishioners throughout the decades is a testament to the vital role these institutions can play in fostering a sense of belonging and tradition.