St. Matthew’s is the oldest church building in The Bahamas — a living witness to faith across three centuries, from the first service in 1802 to today.
A Timeline of Faith
- 1799 — The Legislative Council passes an act to build a church in the Eastern District of New Providence.
- 1800 — The foundation stone is laid.
- 1802 — Construction is completed with seating for roughly 450. The first service is held on July 18, officiated by the Rev. Henry Groombridge.
- 1807 / 1816 — The steeple is erected — sources vary on the exact year.
- 1823 — The church is formally consecrated, 21 years after its first service.
- 1918 — The church closes temporarily for roof and ceiling repairs; a new organ is purchased.
- 1929 — The sanctuary is badly damaged in the great hurricane.
- 1931 — The sanctuary is rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style seen today.
- 1952 — The parish celebrates its 150th anniversary.
- 2027 — St. Matthew’s celebrates its 225th anniversary — and is recognized as the oldest church building in The Bahamas.
A Gothic Revival Landmark
Rebuilt in 1931 after hurricane damage, the sanctuary blends neo-classical proportions with Gothic detailing — a distinctive tower and steeple, stunning stained glass windows, a stone pulpit, and hand-crafted woodwork added by generations of parishioners.
Clergy Through the Years
Compiled from parish and diocesan records — a work in progress as our 225th anniversary history project continues.
- 1802–1804 — Rev. Henry Groombridge — First Rector; officiated the first service, July 18, 1802.
- 1804–1807 — Rev. Henry Jenkins
- 1807–1810 — Rev. John Stephen
- 1810–1812 — Rev. James Stuart
- 1812–1820 — Rev. Hepworth
- 1820–1821 — Rev. John Wright
- 1856–1903 — Rev. Richardson Saunders — “Parson” to his people; an incumbency of nearly half a century. His ordination by Bishop Courtney was the first ever held in Nassau.
- 1926–1928 — Rev. R. Willoughby
- 1928–1936 — Rev. Herbert W. Devall — Rector through the 1929 hurricane and the 1931 restoration.
- 1937–1938 — Rev. J. Webber Thompson
- 1938–1951 — Rt. Rev. Donald Knowles — Later the first Bahamian-born Archdeacon; led the 150th anniversary in 1952.
- 1986 — Canon Rev. Dr. Kirkley Sands — Named rector in 1986.
- 1988–2004 — Archdeacon James Palacious
- Fr. Basil Tynes — Rector today.
We invite you to join us in celebrating 225 years of faith — worshiping with us each week in the historic sanctuary that generations of Bahamians have called home.
