On February 11th, a hush fell over the congregation gathered at Saint Matthias Church. This wasn’t just any Sunday service. This was a day of celebration, a day of dedication for a new chapter in the church’s story. Saint Matthias Church, nestled in the growing community of Magnolia, had just welcomed a stunning new addition: a church building shaped like a cross, a symbol of faith reaching towards the heavens.
Saint Matthias Church, named after the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, had humble beginnings. Established in 1978, it served a community of roughly 150 families yearning for a place of worship. The original church, built in 1989, served its purpose well. But with the rapid growth of Magnolia, a larger space became essential.
This new sanctuary, with its cathedral seating and a capacity of 850, was a testament to the community’s devotion. Imagine looking up and seeing the heavens depicted in the blue-painted barrel ceilings. The magnificence of it all, further amplified by the 35 stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors. And standing as silent guardians of faith are the statues: Saint Matthias himself, Saint Paul, and the remaining eleven apostles.
But the heart of this new space lies in its altar, consecrated by Cardinal DiNardo with chrism oil, signifying its sacred purpose. This is where families will gather, where hymns will soar, and where the community will find solace and strength in their faith. Saint Matthias Church stands as a beacon of hope, a place where the spirit of faith and community converge under a roof shaped like a cross, reminding all who enter of the enduring power of belief.