St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church going strong in Welland since 1876

Starting with a small collective of parishioners and an itinerant priest, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has persevered for almost 150 years.

On Feb. 24, 1876, 12 German-speaking settlers led by Rev. Frederick C. Ebinger organized into St. Matthew’s German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Six days later, the fledgling group bought land at what is now 59 Griffith St. from Thaddeus W. Hooker and Alexander Asher for $75.

Having secured the site, the congregation constructed the first permanent Lutheran church building in Welland.

T he cornerstone for the building was laid May 7, 1876.

Ebinger, who also served congregations at Willoughby Township’s New Germany (now Snyder) and Humberstone, conducted services in German at a hall on East Main Street then at the completed church.

Ebinger de