WHEREAS, Saint Matthew’s Parish was founded on October 12, 1927 by Reverend John J. McMenamin, with the first mass being offered on November 6th , 1927; and
WHEREAS, Over the next two years, many “firsts” took place at Saint Matthew’s, including the first Baptism, first Confirmation, and first Mass; and
WHEREAS, The early 1930’s were full of change, both in the United States and on Cottman Avenue, as Father McMenamin was transferred and Father James Rice became the second pastor of Saint Matthew Parish. The cornerstone of the first school was laid, and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived; and
WHEREAS, Saint Matthew’s School was opened in September 1937. Today, the school has over 1,200 students, including kindergarten, pre-first grade, resource rooms and regular grades one to eight. The Sisters still play a vital role in the children’s education, 65 years after they first arrived; and
WHEREAS, From 1940 through the 1960’s, Saint Matthew experienced an era of great expansion and renovation, including the blessing of the cornerstone of the lower church, the opening of a new school containing 16 classrooms and a kitchen and cafeteria; the dedication of a new convent, rectory, gym, school addition and upper church. The parishioners also mourned the loss of Father Rice, who passed away in 1946 and was replaced by Father Laurence Maher; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the leadership of the parish changed from Father Maher to Father O’Melia, with Father Gaughan being appointed pastor after the death of Father O’Melia in 1968. Monsignor Charles McGroarty was appointed the sixth pastor in the history of the parish when Monsignor Gaughan retired in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Saint Matthew’s, with over 4,400 households registered remains one of the largest parishes in the City of Philadelphia, hosting over 5,000 people who attend various Sunday liturgies; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Saint Matthew’s Parish on the occasion of their 75th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Monsignor Charles McGroarty, as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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