1964 | The Archdiocese of Atlanta purchased the Matthew Public School building and property for the purpose of establishing a mission church. The building was in dire need of repair. |
1965 | The mission church was dedicated in the Spring of 1965 by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin and was originally designated as a mission of the parish of St. Joseph, in Athens. There were nine original families that were involved in the early years. The original parishioners for the mission were the James Cohron family, Armand Cody, Joseph Graceau, Iva Grant, the James Lord family, the John Nastro family, Evelyn Olson, the James Taylor family , and Betty Wall. |
1972 | The mission was transferred to St. Anna Catholic Church in Monroe. Over the next three decades, may repairs and upgrades were made. |
1991 | The mission was again transferred to St. Oliver Plunkett in Snellville. At this time, it was served by the missionaries of LaSalette – Rev. Thomas Carroll, M.S., Rev. Michael Flanagan, M.S., and Rev. Clifford Hasler, M.S. |
1992 | Major renovations to the sanctuary, the social hall and the classrooms were undertaken. The work was completed in 1992. At this time, stained glass windows were installed, having been hand-crafted by the monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. The side widows were purchased from St. Joseph’s Infirmary when it moved from downtown Atlanta. The stained glass windows across the back of the mission were added later by the Beaupre family. |
1992 | Sister Arcaro and Sister Clar Mahoney, Cenacle Sisters, became members of St. Matthew Catholic Mission. |
1994 | Sister Barbara Young and Sister Alice Weckerle joined the mission when Sister Clara retired. St. Matthew’s faith community continued to grow. |
1997 | A new Religious Education building was added behind the church to serve the growing community. |
1999 | June 24, 1999, a decree of establishment was issued Archbishop John Francis Donoghue establishing the parish of St. Matthew and fundraising plans were made to build a new church. Reverend Reyes was the founding pastor. |
2004- 07 | A Capital Campaign was initiated and groundbreaking for the church and office facility was held in 2006. Reverend Father Jaime Barona was the pastor during this time. The building was completed in June of 2007 and the first mass was held on the weekend of June 24th. |
2007 | On September 22, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory dedicated out new church and office facility. The old church was renamed Hedges Hall in honor of our long-time parishioners and benefactors, Fred and Virginia Hedges. It became a social hall for the parish. |
2012 | The Reverend Gilbert Exume assumed the role of pastor and the parish has continued to grow in number of families. The parish continues to focus on the spiritual growth of its membership, safety and security of parish property and parishioners, and fiscal responsibility to ensure stability and growth. |