History of St. Matthew 

The story of St. Matthew School is a cherished chapter in the continuing growth of St. Matthew Parish. Like many great beginnings, ours was humble. On December 2, 1922, Archbishop James J. Keane gave the mandate to establish a new parish to be known as St. Matthew’s. Father Daniel Mulcahy was appointed as its first pastor, and the earliest parishioners attended Mass in the auditorium of Sacred Heart Hall at Mount Mercy.

After just six months, Father Mulcahy was transferred, and Father Patrick J. Behan became the parish’s second pastor. Recognizing the need for a permanent home, the Archbishop, Father Behan, and the parishioners sought an ideal location. After much discussion and prayerful consideration, they chose a full city block bounded by First Avenue, A Avenue, 23rd Street, and 24th Street.

The first St. Matthew Church was a temporary structure—measuring just 30 by 65 feet—built by the dedicated men of the parish and completed on August 1, 1924. By the winter of 1925, the growing congregation realized the need for a larger, permanent church. Believing deeply that the strength of the Church lies in the education of its people, Archbishop Keane, Father Behan, and the parish community committed to building not only a new church, but also a Catholic school alongside it.

Architect W.H. Lightner of Cedar Rapids designed the plans, and on September 26, 1926, the new St. Matthew Church and School were blessed and dedicated. The original structure still stands today, with the former church space beautifully renovated to serve the school’s needs.

St. Matthew School opened that same fall, staffed by three Sisters of Mercy and welcoming 40 students. Within a year, enrollment more than doubled to 91 students, and by 1939, nearly 200 students were attending. The school then had five Sisters of Mercy and the full-time support of Father John F. Ryan, assistant pastor. As the parish community continued to grow, the need for additional space became clear. With limited resources, the parish prioritized the school, and in 1950, an addition was completed—today known as the library and primary wing.

By 1955, the parish had raised half of the funds needed for a new church, and construction began on the present structure. Monsignor Kearn celebrated the first High Mass there at midnight on Christmas Eve, 1956. The formal dedication followed on May 30, 1957, led by Archbishop Leo Binz.

Enrollment continued to rise, and by 1963, St. Matthew’s added a gymnasium and seven new classrooms. The school continued to evolve in the decades that followed—opening a Preschool program for three- and four-year-olds in 1984, introducing All-Day Kindergarten in 1998, and in 2000, transitioning middle school students to the newly formed Regis Middle School, shared with St. Pius and All Saints parishes.

Throughout its history, the growth and vitality of St. Matthew School have been made possible through the dedication, faith, and generosity of countless parishioners. To all who have shared in building and sustaining our mission, we give heartfelt thanks.