St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (National City, California)

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St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is a historic church located at 521 East 8th Street in National City, California. Built in 1887, it was designed by William Herman of Chula Vista, based on an idea from a local resident named Mr. Crocker who was inspired by a photo of a small church in England. The building is Gothic Revival with Tudor influences and has a tall steeple that could be seen for miles.

History: An Episcopal Society for National City formed on January 30, 1882, with Frank A. Kimball as secretary, who later founded National City. On May 13, 1882, it became St. Matthew’s Parish Episcopal Church. Worship began in homes and later in the Grange Hall, with priests from San Diego. Elizur Steele donated the land for the church, and Kimball and his brother donated another piece of property that was sold to fund the construction. The first worship service was July 3, 1887, and services have been held regularly ever since. The church was consecrated on October 24, 1890.

The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 25, 1973. Today it remains an active congregation in the Episcopal Church, within the Diocese of San Diego.