A Bit of History ...

The first recorded services of the Anglican Church were held in private homes on Jamestown from about 1747. Nearly a century later, the people of Jamestown built a meeting house on the Artillery lot, to be used by different demoninations. In 1836, the Episcopalians purchased and remodeled this building. The Parish was then incorporated and accepted into membership in the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

A second church building was erected in 1880 and served the community well for over 80 years. Thanks to the generosity of a family foundation, the present church was built and consecrated in 1968. The Parish Hall was built in 1924 and moved in 1963 to its present location behind the church. A new structure was built which contains classrooms, the parish office, sacristy, a library, the Rector's study, and a lovely chapel.

Our Outreach ...

Today, St. Matthew's is an active parish with around 350 active members. We support the Diocese of Rhode Island and our national church by apportioning 17.5% of our annual income for purposes outside of the parish. Our Thrift Shop receives donations of clothing and resells them at bargain prices. The parish participates generously in supporting Rhode Island Episcopal Charities, regularly donates food to the Johnny Cake Center in Peacedale, and sends "white gifts" each year at Christmas to the children served by Lucy's Hearth in Middletown.

St. Matthew's parishioners and friends serve regularly at a meal site in South Providence which is sponsored by Grace Church. If you would like to help at the meal site, help cook the meal, bake desserts, or donate toward the cost of this program, please contact the parish office, 423-1762.

The Parish is also generous in sharing the use of our Hall and meeting rooms with community organizations including Cub Scouts, the Community Chorus, and several Alcoholic Anonymous groups. St. Matthew's rector administrates two charitable funds which have been established to help Jamestown residents in need.

Christian Education at St. Matthew's ...

Church School classes are held during the year from mid September through early June. Child care is offered each Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. service. Children join their parent/s each week for the last part of the Sunday service. All baptized children are invited to receive the Holy Communion, thus including them fully in our worship.

Adult education classes are held from time to time during the year and encompass a variety of subjects.