About
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church is an Episcopal parish on 126 E Liberty St in downtown Oakland, one of the two congregations of The Episcopal Church in Garrett County. It is a welcoming, affirming church for longtime members, newcomers and anyone with questions about faith.
The Stone Church of the Presidents
The building dates to 1869, when railroad president John W. Garrett built it as Garrett Memorial Church in memory of his brother Henry, who had chosen the site. Built entirely of stone, it was long known locally as "the stone church," and it earned the nickname "Church of the Presidents" because Ulysses S. Grant, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland visited during their trips to Garrett County. After the building was offered to the Episcopal congregation in the 1960s and renovated, it reopened in 1966 as St. Matthew's.
Worship and Parish Life
Sunday worship follows the Rite II liturgy, and services are also livestreamed on YouTube for those who can't be there in person. Children's Sunday school meets upstairs in the parish hall during the main service. St. Matthew's shares its clergy, office and phone with St. John's Episcopal Church in Deer Park, and both parishes keep a columbarium for quiet remembrance.
Feeding Neighbours
The parish hall hosts Stephen's Table, a free monthly community dinner that welcomes volunteers. The parish also supports It's in the Bag, which packs weekend food bags for children through local schools and Head Start programs, and the volunteer-run Nearly New Shop, whose proceeds fund outreach.
If you're curious, the church's "Come and See" invitation is meant for you.
Address
126 E Liberty St, Oakland, MD 21550