Legacy of Faith: Join Us for St. Matthew’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

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The Church’s Humble Beginnings

Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on April 16, 1950 at the Community House in Moorestown, NJ. Prior to that, The Rev. Ralph Shockey had moved to Moorestown with his family in 1947 to become Superintendent of The Lutheran Home at Moorestown. There was no Lutheran church in town and their only car was needed by Pastor Shockey to visit nearby Lutheran churches on Sundays. His wife Dorothy and the children had to take a bus to Maple Shade to worship. They decided Moorestown needed a Lutheran church and began having Sunday school classes at The Lutheran Home, with worship in the chapel there. They soon outgrew the space and began to worship in the Community House. Sixty-three people had signed the charter in the early months of 1950 before the organizational meeting. None of those charter members are living but some of the children are still members here, including Joyce Buss, Sandy Meany and Dave and Jonathan Stewart.

Acquiring and Renovating the First Church Home

In November 1950, the congregation purchased the property owned by the local Presbyterian church because they had constructed a new building at the corner of Chester Ave. and Bridgeboro Rd. The cost was $25,000 and included two buildings—a sanctuary built in 1892 and extensively remodeled in 1921 plus a Parish Hall built in 1917. Men in the congregation volunteered to remodel the sanctuary to make it appropriate for Lutheran worship. The congregation began worshipping there in 1951 with Sunday school classes in the Parish Hall.

Expanding for Education

By 1960 more space was needed for Sunday school classes. During the pastorate of The Rev. Edwin Ehlers an education building was added to the property in 1962. 

The Need for a New Sanctuary

When Herluf Jensen became the pastor in 1968 it was apparent a larger worship space and narthex were needed. Herman Hassinger, a member of the church since 1965, and an architect, finally convinced Pastor Jensen that a new building was needed and necessary. An inspection revealed the building was unsafe for continued use. A Ground Breaking for the new building was held on May 2, 1971, and a Festival Service of Leavetaking from the old building was held on June 13. The little white church on Chester Avenue, filled with memories from many decades, was demolished soon after.

Architectural Vision and Design

Hassinger and Schwam was the architectural firm selected for the new building. Herman said it was their hope “to leave a legacy to the future, an inspiration to the present, and an echo of the past.” The sanctuary is designed in the shape of a Greek cross (equal arms). The altar is in the middle, surrounded by the congregation and choir, “to remind us that we are worshiping as one family in joy and celebration.”

Theological Insight in Architecture

Pastor Jensen was impressed by Herman’s theological insights as expressed in architectural design. “He is more sensitive to Lutheran traditions and needs in worship than any other architect I know. While his designs are modern, they do not lose the transcendent mood that is part of our worship tradition.”

Dedication and Mortgage Burning

The congregation worshipped in Fellowship Hall during the construction and eagerly watched the progress on the new building. It was dedicated on September 10, 1972. The mortgage was “burned” in 1986 under the pastorate of The Rev. Carl Uehling. 

“He is more sensitive to Lutheran traditions and needs in worship than any other architect I know. While his designs are modern, they do not lose the transcendent mood that is part of our worship tradition.”

Pastor Herluf Jensen, about architect Herman Hassinger

Expanding the Church Grounds

Through the years there have been opportunities to purchase additional properties. In 1968 we purchased the grove which has often been used for picnics and other activities. The property along the railroad tracks behind 7-11 was given to the church by a family in the congregation. In the 1990’s during the pastorate of The Rev. Gordon Huff, the congregation purchased the property next door. It would have been too costly to renovate the house there and it was demolished. Volunteers have planted a lovely butterfly garden on part of the property.

Continuing to Build for the Future

Now we are on the verge of dedicating a new addition to our building to provide better space for the Altar Guild plus handicapped accessible bathrooms. Yes, we are continuing to build to serve all to the Glory of God.

Submitted by Rozella Bower