By Rev. Gilles Haché
In the aftermath of World War II, during the mid-1940s, many plots of land—including those surrounding the Roseland Golf Course—were developed into residential neighborhoods. On November 20, 1949, Bishop George N. Luxton announced the creation of a new parish: St. James Church in Roseland.
The parish grew rapidly, and by 1954, permission was granted to launch an Anglican Sunday School annex at Glenwood Public School. In 1955, due to high enrollment at Glenwood and overcrowding at St. James, the decision was made to establish a second Anglican worship site. The purchase of a lot on Norfolk Street across from Glenwood School, and the first regular Sunday service held at the school on December 4, 1955, marked the conception of the new church. On February 12, 1956, a meeting was held to organize what would become St. Matthew’s Church.
Seventy years ago, a seed of faith was planted. St. Matthew’s began as a gathering of believers committed to following Christ, being formed by Scripture, and serving others with compassion. Today, we continue the legacy of those who trusted in God’s promises, who did not rely on their own understanding, but acknowledged Him in all their ways—and He made their paths straight (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Our mission statement: “We are called to share God’s love by welcoming and caring for our community” is not merely a slogan—although adopted in 2014, it has been a vocation lived daily since 1955, in every gesture, every prayer, every shared meal.
A Foundation Built on Faith
The construction of the church on Norfolk Street was the fruit of a collective vision, carried by founding families whose faith and generosity laid the groundwork for all we are today. We give thanks for the Stanley, Goldspink, Palin, Grieves, Jemison, Loney, Finnie, Jones, Snelling, Heath, Postovit, Garswood, Youngson, Lefcombe, and Braidford families, as well as the rest of the founding families—pillars of faith who walked in the ways of the Lord (Psalm 119:33), passed on wisdom (2 Timothy 3:17), and responded to Christ’s call with mercy and mission (Matthew 9:9–13).
We also give thanks to God for all the clergy who have served this community with devotion and love. Their leadership, pastoral care, and liturgical guidance have allowed St. Matthew’s to flourish. We remember those who came before us and honour those who continue to serve today: The Reverend Grant Darling (1956–1961, 5 years); The Reverend Donald Munro (1961–1968, 7 years); The Reverend Ray Farrell (1968–1970, 2 years); The Reverend Canon William Millman (1971–1993, 22 years); The Reverend Canon Stephen Harnadek (1993–2012, 18 years); The Most Reverend Bishop Jack Peck, Interim Priest (2012–2013); The Reverend Andreas Thiel (2013–2023, 10 years).
We also express our gratitude to the deacons whose ministry has enriched parish life and extended our mission beyond the church walls: The Reverend John McAvoy (1996–1999); The Reverend Cathy MacKendrick (1996–2025); The Reverend Robert Chandler (2003–2012); The Reverend Glenda Fisher, ordained November 28, 2013, in partnership with St. Matthew’s since March 3, 2019.
A Living and Prayerful Community
Each Sunday, the faithful gather to celebrate their faith, uplifted by a vibrant choir and nourishing liturgy. But the life of St. Matthew’s extends far beyond the walls of the building we call church. It is a community that breathes solidarity, joy, and compassion — being CHURCH in the world and bringing the gospel to those in need through many outreach ministries.
The Marlborough School Breakfast Program nourishes children and strengthens community ties, while Ministry at the Southwest Detention Center, active since 2017, offers comfort and hope to incarcerated individuals.
Food for the Hungry, in partnership with local food banks, supports families in need. Hiatus House, a vital resource for families facing domestic violence, also receives our ongoing support.
Soup Luncheons - moments of fellowship and sharing open to all - with free will donations supports Alongside Hope and the Ministry of the Council of the North. The Adopt-a-Family initiative, organized by the Children’s Aid Society, offers tangible support at Christmas.
The Angel Tree program has been led at St. Matthew’s by our deacon, the Reverend Glenda Fisher, in collaboration with Prison Fellowship Canada. The Rector’s Free Community Christmas and Thanksgiving Dinners have also been offered to the wider community. The Community Breakfasts, organized by our wardens and deputy wardens, bring neighbours and friends together over a good meal; TNT Gatherings, our monthly social meet-up every first Friday at a local restaurant, fosters connection and joy.
St. Matthew’s: A Mission That Continues
Today, under the leadership of our wardens, deputy wardens, and a Pastoral Council in partnership with our clergy, St. Matthew’s continues its commitment to justice, reconciliation, and neighbourly love. We are not frozen in a dream of the past but fully engaged in the reality of today’s world. Our vocation is alive, dynamic, and outward-facing: we seek to meet people where they are, to listen to their needs, and to be a Church that shines far beyond its walls.
We believe God calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13–14), bearers of hope in a world that needs it so deeply. With faith, courage, and compassion, we look to the future, confident that the path ahead will be as rich in blessings as the seventy years that have come before.
Rev. Gilles Haché is the Rector of St. Matthew's, Windsor, and Chaplain to Lay Readers.
(Based on historical information from St. Mathew's Church archives)