Our History

We are part of the United Church of Christ, which was formed in 1957 when the congregations of the “Evangelical and Reformed Church” and the “Congregational Christian Churches” voted to unite into one denomination.

These two parent denominations were formed in 1934 and 1931 respectively as a result of yet another union. The E and R Church was formed by the union of the “German Reformed Church of the U.S.” and the “Evangelical Synod in North America”. The union of “Congregational Churches” and “The Christian Churches” formed the C.C.C. Church.

We are proud that our heritage dates back directly to the Puritans who came to Massachusetts Bay, and we are equally proud that St. Matthew’s was organized in 1837 as a German Reformed Church. Our current building dates back to 1908, when it replaced a wooden structure that had burned down. We also have a wooden arbor on the grounds still used for revivals and special services. The original arbor, built in 1845, was replaced after a fire in 1988.  The new arbor was built as close to the original structure specifications as possible, including wooden pegs.