OUR BUILDING’S HISTORY

St. Matthews Lutheran Church has stood as a beacon of faith, heritage, and community service for more than a century. Established on February 23, 1904, by Rev. Emil Hoffmann and a group of German-speaking Lutherans, the congregation quickly grew into a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of the city. As Kitchener evolved from its earlier identity as Berlin, Ontario, into a bustling urban centre, St. Matthews kept pace, expanding both its ministry and its physical presence. The current sanctuary, completed in 1914, was designed by the Detroit architectural firm Spier, Rohns and Gehrke and remains a prime example of Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture. The building’s rib-vaulted ceiling, wrap-around gallery, warm wood detailing, and vibrant stained-glass windows create a worship environment that is at once majestic and intimate.

A centrepiece of the church’s worship and musical life is its 3,000-pipe Casavant organ, which was originally installed in 1915 and then rebuilt in 1943 under the direction of Canada’s celebrated liturgical musician Healey Willan. This organ, still in use today, is one of the most distinctive in the region and continues to inspire congregational singing and community concerts. Over the decades, the church has served as more than just a place of worship. It has functioned as a gathering point for German immigrant families, a site for musical and cultural events, and a sanctuary for people seeking support during times of war, economic hardship, and social change. In 2014, a unique moment of historical reflection occurred when a 100-year-old time capsule was retrieved from the cornerstone and opened, revealing a remarkable collection of period newspapers, coins, and letters—an intimate window into the hopes and lives of the church’s early members.

Today, St. Matthews is embracing a new chapter in its long story. With support from community partners and new initiatives, including those focused on social impact and building sustainability, the church is actively reimagining its role in a rapidly changing downtown. As part of this transition, the congregation is finding innovative ways to open its space to a broader public—hosting programs, events, and services that reflect the diversity and dynamism of Kitchener itself. Yet through all of this change, one thing remains constant: St. Matthews continues to be a place where people come to seek meaning, build community, and connect with a history that is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. From its soaring sanctuary to its humble basement gatherings, the church embodies a rich legacy of resilience, welcome, and enduring faith.