Rev. H. S. McDuffey


Today, St. Matthias is a multicultural, diverse congregation that values its African-American heritage, but welcomes people of many different kinds and nationalities and backgrounds. The congregation was involved in the formation of Christians for a United Community which although it is made up of a number of different denominations, brings people together to deal with racial disparities in the community. We are a group of Christians who welcome all of God’s creation. We are a very diverse congregation- of various nationalities, and ethnic groups, sexual orientations, rich and poor and homeless. The congregation, through prayerful visioning and honest talks, adopted the following Mission Statement: “St. Matthias is an intentionally diverse and welcoming family that shares the good news of Christ with all.”

St. Matthias Window


St. Matthias’ interior features 19th century woodwork by Italian and African American artists, striking stained glass, a Midmer (tracker) pipe organ, and excellent acoustics. The interior woodwork is the most sophisticated of any church in the area built is this period. The adjoining Chapel was added at the turn of the century and consecrated in 1901. The entire structure as it now stands was financed on a pay-as-you-go basis and is reported to have cost a total of $13,000 (!). It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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