Parish of St. Matthew - Lusitanian Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Vila Franca de Xira > Cais de Vila Franca de Xira

Location

The Parish of St. Matthew of the Lusitanian Church is located in the Cais de Vila Franca de Xira area, a zone integrated into the urban fabric of the locality. The temple is situated on Rua de Almeida Garrett, a point that places it in the heart of this part of the town, accessible and part of its daily dynamics.

A Community and Faith History

The history of St. Matthew's Parish dates back to January 3, 1929, when an evangelical community organized itself in Vila Franca de Xira. This initial initiative, led by José Ilídio Freire, saw the enthusiasm and dedication of its members grow, with the figure of Luís César Rodrigues Pereira standing out. From a medical student to a doctor and, subsequently, ordained Deacon and Presbyter in the Lusitanian Church, Dr. Luís Pereira became the first Parish Priest of St. Matthew's in 1951, playing a crucial role in the development and expansion of the congregation.

The Building: From Warehouse to Temple

The current building of St. Matthew's Parish has a peculiar and interesting architectural characteristic: it was not originally built as a church. It was, in fact, an old cereal warehouse. With the growth of the community and the need for a larger space than the original House of Prayer, this warehouse, located on Rua de Almeida Garrett, was acquired in the early 1950s. Through a remarkable collective effort and great dedication, the building was transformed into a Christian temple, being solemnly dedicated on August 23, 1953. This reconversion is a testament to the community's adaptability and strong faith.

A Legacy and Historical Integration

St. Matthew's Parish, integrated into the Lusitanian Church since 1948, and its leaders played an important role in Portuguese religious history. Dr. Luís Pereira, after being consecrated Bishop in 1962, marked his episcopate with milestones such as the liturgical revision of the Lusitanian Church and remarkable enthusiasm for ecumenical dialogue from the 1960s onwards. The negotiations he led culminated in the integration of the Lusitanian Church into the Anglican Communion in 1980, an event of great significance that reinforces the identity and trajectory of this parish in the panorama of faith.

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