“What would it feel like to step back in time?” I ask you now, standing before St Matthew’s Church. This Anglican church in Westminster, London, holds a fascinating story within its walls. It is a story of faith, fire, and revival.
St Matthew’s Church has stood here since 1851. Its location is close to the Houses of Parliament. It is also near Westminster Abbey and Church House. The church has strong ties to the Catholic heritage recovery within the Church of England. Frank Weston, Bishop of Zanzibar, was a leader in this movement. He served here from 1896 to 1898.
Sir George Gilbert Scott designed St Matthew’s. He was assisted by his brother-in-law, George Frederick Bodley. Scott’s son, John Oldrid Scott, designed the clergy house. Later, Sir Ninian Comper added the Lady Chapel. This chapel is accessed by a staircase in the Narthex. Bodley, Charles Kempe, Walter Ernest Tower, and Martin Travers enriched the interior greatly. Kempe and Comper studied under Bodley. Tower was Kempe’s partner. Martin Travers was Comper’s pupil. Back when St Matthew’s was built, this area was a poor district.
The church’s founding aimed to relieve overcrowding. The nearby St John the Evangelist Church was overcrowded. It is better known as St John’s, Smith Square. It is now a concert hall. The site cost about £6,000. This resulted in the church’s irregular L-shape.
Disaster struck in May 1977. A fire almost totally destroyed St Matthew’s. Only the Lady Chapel remained. The new church was dedicated in November 1984. It is smaller than the original. It retains much of its atmosphere. Some original stonework and contents were saved.
Entering through the narthex, notice the stained glass window of St Michael by W. E. Tower. The stained glass was damaged. However, some figures were saved. They were placed in new settings. Look for the east window and the Annunciation scene. Here is also Tower’s panel of the crucifixion. Joseph Cribb sculpted the 14 Stations of the Cross. Cribb was a pupil of Eric Gill. The Stations line the walls. They depict Jesus’ final journey to his crucifixion.
The Lady Chapel is Comper’s earliest work in England. The English altar is the first of its kind since the Reformation. The Chapel has been renovated. It is used daily for prayer. A statue of Our Lady of Walsingham stands here. Next to the Lady Chapel is the Reconciliation Room. This is used for confessions and discussions.
St Michael’s Chapel houses a stone altar by Bodley. It is open daily for prayer. Through the grille, see the reredos by W. E. Tower. It depicts saints and angels surrounding the Nativity. The High Altar holds a relic of St Matthew.
As you enter the main church, note the Spanish lectern from the 15th century. Mother Concordia OSB created the statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. Tower created the other statues. They depict St Edward the Confessor, St George, St Michael, and St Matthew. The High Altar and reredos were under the east window. After the fire, the mosaic mural was discovered beneath the panelling.
A modern carving of the Madonna and Child maintains the link between the church and the arts. Guy Reid, a former Artist in Residence at St Matthew’s, sculpted it.
Consider the journey of St Matthew’s Church. From its construction to its destruction and rebirth, it has remained a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of this community.