-
In the fall of 1962, Rev. Monsignor Edward F. Ward, pastor of St. Mary’s, Bangor, purchased land on Route 9 in Hampden for the purpose of serving the large number of parishioners residing in Hampden with a small mission church. The property included a house and a barn. The barn was razed and the house was renovated for CCD classes.
Four years later, in April 1968, adjacent land was purchased for future use of a rectory. In September, Bishop Gerety established the parish of St. Matthew and appointed Rev. George Goodreau, pastor of St. Gabriel’s in Winterport, to additionally serve the new parish, which included the towns of Hampden, Newburgh and Dixmont. Rev. Goodreau celebrated the first St. Matthew's parish Mass in the Hampden VFW Hall in September 1968. Sunday Masses were held in the VFW Hall until the gymnasium of the George Weatherbee School in Hampden was made available.
A parish council was formed and they appointed a building committee to undertake the construction of a church. George O. Lloyd was selected as architect for the new church, which took the form of a star.
The Mass of Dedication of Saint Matthew's Church was held on Thursday, September 16, 1971 at 5:00 p.m. with the most Rev. Peter L. Gerety, D.D., Bishop of Portland as Celebrant. Concelebrants included: The Most Rev. Edward C.O’Leary, D.C., Auxiliary Bishop of Portland; Rev. George Goudreau, Pastor; The Very Rev. James H. Keegan, V.F.; Rev. Monsignor Edward F. Ward; and Rev. Leo Goudreau. The processional included 125 priests of the Diocese.
-