Right here stands the Dr. Mark A. Matthews Bust. It commemorates a significant figure in Seattle’s history. Who was Dr. Mark A. Matthews and why does he deserve this honor?
Dr. Mark A. Matthews was a Presbyterian minister. He served Seattle’s First Presbyterian Church from 1902 until his death in 1940. Matthews wasn’t just a religious leader. He was a city reformer and a social advocate.
Matthews investigated red light districts. He fearlessly denounced corrupt politicians. Business leaders and saloon keepers also faced his scrutiny. His actions aimed to cleanse Seattle of corruption.
Under Matthews’ leadership, the First Presbyterian Church grew. It became the largest Presbyterian Church in the country. Its membership reached 10000 people. This made it a powerful force in the community. In 1912, Matthews was chosen as the national moderator.
Matthews built a model church. It offered night schools and unemployment bureaus. A kindergarten and an anti-tuberculosis clinic were also established. His church even had the nation’s first church-owned radio station, KTW Radio, established in 1922.
He was the most influential clergyman in the Pacific Northwest. Matthews was an active member of the Social Gospel movement. He blended Christian fundamentalism with social liberalism. This made him an enigmatic but effective figure.
Matthews was a strong advocate for the Temperance movement. He spoke out against alcohol. He broadened the Temperance platform to include other vices. He famously called the saloon a hell-soaked institution. It robbed innocent daughters of their virtue he said.
Interestingly, Matthews opposed women’s suffrage. He also supported limiting Asian immigration. These views reflected the complex social attitudes of his time.
Born in Calhoun, Georgia, in 1867, Matthews experienced poverty during the Reconstruction era. He became a preacher at 19. He served in Georgia and Tennessee before moving to Seattle. In 1904, he married Grace Jones. They had two children Gwladys and Mark Jr.
As pastor, Matthews helped create important institutions. Harborview Medical Center owes its existence partly to him. He also helped establish Childhaven. It was originally the Seattle Day Nursery. This organization combats child abuse.
Matthews’s impact extended beyond the First Presbyterian Church. He helped establish University Presbyterian Church. It remains a major institution today. His papers are preserved at the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. They include correspondence with Woodrow Wilson. They also include materials about his investigations into Seattle’s moral condition.
Consider this bust a reminder. It symbolizes a man who fought for his vision of righteousness. Mark A. Matthews left an indelible mark on Seattle. His legacy continues to shape the city today.