History of St. Matthew's

In June of 1978, Bishop James Niedergeses appointed Father Albert Siener the pastor of a new parish to be located in Franklin, Tennessee. The first mass was celebrated on October 2, 1978 in the West Side Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Fifty people attended. Within two years, the parish community committed itself to acquiring a permanent location. At present, this site includes both a church constructed in 1991 and the original church building constructed in 1980 which now serves as a multipurpose facility.

St Matthew parish is fortunate to have Father Mark Beckman as pastor. The parish has grown from a few families in 1978 to over 960 families today. From building a place for worship to planning a place for education, the parish community remains committed to serving God by serving others.

From Highway 100 turn on to Pasquo Road. Bear left at curve then continue about one quarter of a mile. St. Matthew Church is on the right just past Timberline Drive. From Hillsboro Road (Highway 431) turn on to Sneed Road. Continue on Sneed Road for 4.2 miles and St. Matthew Church will be on the left shortly after Temple Hills subdivision/golf course.

The Church of St. Matthew, (located in a neighborhood setting), has completed building a parochial school to serve the Catholic Community of northwest Williamson and western Davidson counties. St. Matthew School opens for the 2004-2005 school year with one class per grade for second through seventh grades. Second kindergarten and first grade classes have been added for the 2004-2005 school year to meet the growing demands of our parish.

Each year an additional grade will be added up to the eighth grade in 2005-2006 school year.  It is the intent of St. Matthew School to eventually accommodate two classes per grade. The building process has been divided into three phases. The additional building phases will allow for permanent school and parish offices, a permanent media center and a gym/athletic facility.