Seven hundred fifty families. That’s how many call Saint Matthias the Apostle their spiritual home. Can you imagine the dedication it took to build such a vibrant community?
Saint Matthias Catholic Church in Lanham Maryland stands as a testament to unwavering faith. It’s a story of sacrifices and triumphs. A place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed for decades.
It all started in 1960. Reverend E Albert Hughes took on the role of the first pastor. His congregation consisted of 265 families. They hailed from Saint Mary’s in Landover Hills and Ascension in Bowie. The Archdiocese of Washington had purchased a twelve-acre site. This was to be the new church and school’s home.
Father Hughes’s first task was immense. He launched a building fund campaign. This was to create permanent facilities. While fundraising and construction were underway Masses took place elsewhere. Parishioners celebrated at the Chapel of the Divine Savior Seminary. A piece of that history remains. A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from the seminary now stands proudly between the rectory and school.
On February 25 1962 a large crowd gathered. They witnessed Archbishop Patrick A O’Boyle’s dedication of the new church. This stunning steel and glass structure was a testament to the community’s efforts. The four-classroom school also received a blessing that day. Archbishop O’Boyle’s words resonated. He praised the sacrifices that created this sacred space. A place to celebrate sacraments and teach children.
The church’s history is filled with milestones. A temporary church and rectory were built in 1961. A new school opened in 1966. The sisters moved into a new convent that same year. The community’s dedication extended beyond the walls. They paid off the parish site in just five months.
Saint Matthias Catholic Church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament. It’s a story of faith community and perseverance. A place where countless lives have been touched by the spirit of God. This church continues to serve its community. It serves as a beacon of hope and faith in Lanham Maryland.