A cornerstone of faith in Southwest DC. That’s Saint Matthews Lutheran Church. Founded in 1893 it began its journey on D Street Northeast. The congregation outgrew its original home. A new church was dedicated in 1930 on Kentucky Avenue Southeast. Growth continued. By 1962 Saint Matthews purchased a large site on Delaware Avenue and M Street Southwest. This is where you stand today.
Saint Matthews became a diverse community reflecting Washington DC’s spirit. Its building however faced structural challenges. In 2008 the congregation temporarily worshipped elsewhere including with First Trinity Lutheran Church. This wasn’t a setback. It was a chance for renewal. A partnership with a developer created a new multi-use space. This included the current stunning church building and an apartment complex.
The dedication of the new Saint Matthews took place in January 2019. It stands as a testament to faith and community. The church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a community hub. Saint Matthews shares its space with nonprofits like the Swahili Lutheran Church. City Sing and Play uses its facilities too. Waterfront Village and the Children’s Chorus of Washington also call this building home. Their presence enriches the community.
Pastor Katherine Tuttle leads the congregation. She is a rostered minister with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her husband Dr. Jake Tuttle teaches philosophy at Georgetown University. Their children are part of the church community. MJ Crom manages the day-to-day operations. Stefan Brodd the cantor has a unique background. He worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center contributing to the Cosmic Background Explorer mission. This mission verified the Big Bang theory.
Saint Matthews embraces inclusivity. Its welcoming spirit is reflected in its services. These include scripture readings sermons prayers music and Holy Communion. The church’s dedication to social justice is evident. It actively works towards justice for all. This includes immigrants people of color LGBTQIA+ people people with disabilities and children.
Saint Matthews Lutheran Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith community and service. A place where history resonates with hope and where the future unfolds within the loving embrace of God. It is a place to learn pray and connect with others. This is the heart of Saint Matthews. This is the heart of Southwest DC.