St. Matthew’s Parish Receives National Recognition as Historic Site

Renovation of the former St. Mathews school is fully underway. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II

Morningside residents can easily recognize the copper clad bell towers atop St. Matthew’s Parish at the intersection of Harper and Whittier Avenues. The rich architecture and history of this iconic landmark was officially recognized in November when the National Park Service added St. Matthew’s to the National Register of Historic Places.

This award confirmed for the parish that it was a beautiful example of transitional church architecture, and that they could continue to preserve their unique campus.

The Parish itself was founded in 1926 and in 1930 the school building was the first of the campus, constructed to serve an ever-growing community. The school was designed in a Tudor Revival architectural style like many of the beautiful homes in the area. Tens of thousands of students, both Catholic and nonCatholic, from the surrounding neighborhoods attended St. Matthew’s School over its 75-year long history.

The church and rectory were constructed in the 1950s in a modern Romanesque architectural style – a compilation of rock-faced crab orchard stone, limestone, and red granite.

This was a unique period in church design when many architects were moving to more modern styles. St. Matthew Parish still has the grandeur of more traditional churches in Detroit but embraces a more streamlined design, evident in its front entry outlined in simple red granite.

The decision to apply for National Historic Tax credits was an “evolutionary one,” parishioner David Smydra told me. David has been active since he joined St. Matthew’s in 1978. He was one of the main players in the application process for the National Register.

In 2000, St. Matthew Parish agreed to let Detroit Public Schools (DPS) take over St. Matthew’s school, renaming it Maya Angelou Academy. At that time DPS was looking for more space for students to serve the influx of families moving into the city due to an increase in housing loans. St. Matthew was also having a hard time keeping up with the school as parishioner membership declined.

It seemed to be a win for both parties, until 2008 when the housing market crashed, with severe implications for everyone. The school closed for good, but the community of St. Matthew Parish was determined to maintain the building, knowing that upkeep and appearance were important to the neighborhood.

Since 2008, St. Matthew’s parish has dedicated many resources to this effort, waiting for the right opportunity that fit their mission of providing religious services, social services, and promoting community activity.

Around 2020 that opportunity arrived. Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan (CCSEM) asked if they would be interested in converting the school building and activities center into affordable housing units. High quality, safe, and affordable housing is a priority for Catholic Charities USA across the country.

The parish was enthusiastic about the project. Applying to be on the National Register of Historic Places was key to its success, as being accepted would allow for additional funding through historic tax credits.

The other building on campus is the Bishop Donnelly Activities Building, constructed in 1966 as support for school, parish, and community functions. Over the years both the school and activities building have hosted a variety of school and parish events, including the Boy Scouts and sporting events.

The church had reliable historic documentation and many original blueprints of each building, which helped the process go smoothly. It also had help from Cinnaire, a development company experienced with these applications and affordable housing projects.

David said that being accepted onto the National Register is “a powerful statement bearing in mind that St. Matthew’s has a century long legacy in the Morningside community.” He tells me “The motto at St. Matthew’s is ‘a beacon of light and a sign of hope’”.

This designation as a historic site will help pave the way for the parish to continue to be a sign of hope for the community.

St. Matthews school entrance off Audubon Rd. Image courtesy of Rachel Pisano