Our History

The Beginning of St. Matthias

St. Matthias Episcopal Church is a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida under The Right Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, Bishop.

In 1943, a local doctor, Dr. Douglas, approached Bishop Wing about the need for an Episcopal Church in Clermont. The Bishop responded by appointing a priest from Eustis as Vicar to hold services every Sunday at 4:00 pm. There were 13 original members of this group, eleven of whom were women. These founding members were Mr. Clark Smith, Mrs. Emily Coleman, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Cork, Mrs. Marie Eldred, Mrs. Gertude Hamilton, Mrs. Ivy Hunt, Mrs. George Robinson, Mrs. Jessi Ruggles, Mrs. William H. Scott, Mr. Arthur Stedman, Mrs. Johanna May Smith, and Mrs. Mary Turbiville. The good doctor had moved away before the mission was begun in 1944.

For two years the group met in The Community House on Minneola Avenue until one of the group members offered her garage which was transformed into a very nice little chapel on the same street.

The Move to Montrose

In 1948, land on Montrose was given to the Mission and the original Church Sanctuary and Sacristy were built. In 1961, the mission became a Parish. In 1998, the parish purchased the “Little House” to the east of the church which is used for Sunday School. Two years later, in 2000, the church was enlarged by adding the east transept which almost doubled the seating capacity of the building.

In 1999, an antique Pilcher pipe organ was purchased and is a beautiful addition to our church music. The organ was originally installed in the Episcopal Church in Prattsville, New York in 1840 and had several homes prior to being brought to St. Matthias. It is registered with the National Organ Historical Society and is thought to be one of the oldest pipe organs in use in the state of Florida. The pipes were rebuilt and refurbished in 2003 and 2013. We consider ourselves fortunate to have this treasure at St. Matthias.

Mr. Hugh D. Dial Jr., M.M., Organist & Choir Master

Today at St. Matthias

We currently have over three hundred members, including a growing Nursery and Sunday school. The diverse ministries of the parish continue to provide growing support to the parishioners as well as outreach to the local community and surrounding areas.