Saint Matthias Parish was founded by Archbishop John Ryan on February 2, 1906. The first Mass was celebrated by Father Michael McCabe, the founding Pastor, on February 2 at the Lonergan home, Union Avenue and Conshohocken State Road.

Following the generous gift of property on Bryn Mawr Avenue at Highland from John E. Lonergan, ground was broken and the cornerstone for the new parish church was laid on October 7, 1906. The Church and Rectory were Designed by George I. Lovatt and was the first example in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia of the monastery church style of the Twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

The new Church was dedicated on November 8, 1908 by Archbishop Ryan. The Church was renovated in 1931 at which time the mural paintings were placed there.

The parish school and convent for the Sisters of Mercy were later built in the same picturesque architechural style, lending themselves particularly to the beautiful suburban area. The school was opened in 1915 consisting of six grades. The total enrollment at that time was 19 pupils taught by two Sisters of Mercy.

The "new" parish school and gymnasium / cafeteria / social hall were built in 1971.

The Church was renovated (1998 - 1999).

The parish school was closed June 1999. The first floor of the former school building was renovated (2000) to serve as a parish center. A new handicapped accessible entrance was added to the front of the building. A large room was designed for large meetings and parish social events. Two other rooms have been designed to serve as meeting rooms. A small kitchen was installed to provide services for social events held in the Parish Center. Seven small classrooms were made to serve the needs of the parish CCD program.

Former Pastors of Saint Matthias

Rev. Michael J. McCabe 1906-1918
Rev. Luke V. McCabe 1918-1930
Rev. Thomas J. Hanney 1930-1948
Rev. Msgr. James E. Heir 1948-1968
Rev. Msgr. John J. Noone 1968-1982
Rev. Thomas A. Kane 1982-1990