St. Matthew's Episcopal Church - Wheeling, West Virginia - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was founded in 1819 during the early days of the growth of Wheeling and the church had 25 charter members. The church met in many locations during its early years until they built there church at 12th and Byron in 1837. That Greek Revival style church building served the congregation until it too was out grown by the growing congregation. That church building continues to stand though it is a deteriorating condition (WMJCQ5).

Beginning in the early 1860s it became evident that a new church building would be needed fore St. Matthew's. A new lot was obtained and the cornerstone for the new church building was laid November 1, 1866. Construction of the new church building was slowed by the availability of funds and it was not completed until 1871 at a cost of $70,862. Due to the debt on the new building it was not consecrated until November 1, 1888.

The stone church is in a Gothic Revival style and was designed by noted church architect Gordon W. Lloyd. The church features a pulpit still in use today that was constructed by a carpenter named Thomas Hatley in Bridgeport Ohio. The church also features 30 stained glass windows which have been placed over the years a memorials to members of the parish, including six original stained glass windows designed and executed by Louis C. Tiffany and installed over 100 years ago.

The church through its outreach programs help to establish other Episcopal parishes in the area. It is known for its active community outreach programs which continue today.

The church building is a contributing building in the Wheeling Historical District on the National Register of Historic Places.

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