Calaveras County, famous for its annual jumping frog contest, is part of the California Mother Lode history. An Episcopal Church at Mokelumne Hill was pioneered by hardware merchant and active layreader H. H. Nagel, who, virtually single-handedly, constructed St. Paul's Church there in 1895. It would seat 30, and had a steeple over the entrance. When the boom at "Moke Hill" went bust, Mr. Nagel moved on to Randsburg in the Mojave Desert, where he did the same thing again, and so quickly that other denominational churches despaired of setting up any competing work among children. As Moke Hill's economy crumbled, the church was left to ruin. Any who wanted spare parts took whatever they needed. A stained glass fragment was salvaged, however. and now adorns St. Matthew's, San Andreas. the gift of Goldia Shuck. The Mokelumne Hill property on Chilicita Street was sold by Bishop Sanford in 1940.

     In 1955, two women, Betsey Metzger and Herchse Allen, agreed that the County needed an Episcopal Church. On November 27, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen opened their home to a meeting of local Episcopalians. The Rector of Sonora, the Rev. Leonard Dixon, and his wife were in attendance A first service was held on December 11, at 5 P.M., in the Fire Hall at Murphys, a town in the Gold Country. Fr. Dixon, his wife, and three children came from Sonora every Sunday regardless of the weather, to conduct services and Sunday School. Average attendance was 22. In February, services were transferred to St. Basil's Serbian Orthodox Church in Angels' Camp, because it was more centrally located. In March, 1956, the Bishop's Committee was appointed, and plans were made for becoming an organized mission. On Easter Sunday, April 21. Bishop Walters came, and the Episcopalians made use of the Seventh Day Adventists building in Altaville. Location and more space made this attractive.

     During July and August, 1956, the Bishop placed a seminarian in Calaveras County to do a survey of active and potential members. He conducted Morning Prayer, at least on Sundays, at 9 A.M. On September 17, a meeting was held and the Women's Auxiliary was formed. Tliev undertook to provide hymnals. cassocks and cottas for the boys ready to become acolytes, and kneeling cushions for the pews. Mr. 0. L. Kenfield, having been a licensed Lay Reader in Nebraska, conducted services, and was chairman of the Bishop's Committee. On January 28, 1957, St. Matthew's Mission, was received into union with Convocation. Services up to the first Confirmation, March 3, 1957, were held in the Adventists' building. From March 10,1957, to April 10, 1960, they were held in the Gardella Mortuary Chapel; Sunday School classes met in other parts of the chapel. or in the Boy Scout Hut across the street.

     In June, 1957, the Bishop appointed seminarian Edward Murphy to conduct regular Morning Prayer services, relieving Fr. Dixon. A year later he was ordained Deacon, and in December, 1958, he was priested; both ordinations were at St. James', Sonora. He de-emphasized the Episcopal connection in an attempt to build a "Community church". This proved quite success-ful; the Sunday School doubled in size. and 63 communicants in "good standing" were listed.

     In June, 1955. St. Matthew's purchased land from Jack and Blanche Lodato in San Andreas on Oak Street, overlooking the northern part of the business district. Serious planning for construction began in February, 1959. On Friday. November 5, 1959, the ground-breaking ceremony was held with Bishop Walters and some 55 people present. The San Francisco firm of F. W. Johnson was engaged as architects. Construction was supervised by Charles Bloom of Shepherd and Creen Contractors in Stockton. The building was erected for the modest sum of $40,273.55. Mr. DuPont Vincent created the mosaics on the front of the building. The materials were purchased for $500. The first service was conducted in the new building on Easter Sunday, 1960, with a few pews in place and many temporary chairs. Bishop Walters dedicated it on Sunday, May 22, 1960.

     A second building campaign was launched in 1962. to put up a hall and rooms. This was built and dedicated on April 2, 1963. Fr. Murphy left in August, 1963, and was followed by Leon P. MacDougall (October 20, 1963June 30,1967). Under the leadership of Carl Persall, the vicarage, on adjacent property was purchased from Alfred and Judy Whited at the end of 1963 for $11,500. Fr. Robert P. Slocum served as Vicar from November 16, 1967 to December 7, 1969. The Memorial Funds allowed for the purchase of an Allen organ in July, 1969, at a cost of $8,700. It replaced an antique reed organ on loan from the diocese.

     The Rev. Ronald W. James was Vicar from May, 1970, to January 4, 1971. The Rev. Robert L. Stevenson was Vicar from April 1, 1971, to March 1, 1975. The Rev. Thomas Corrigan was Vicar from April 1,1975 to January 31, 1979. The Rev. Robert Downs, Jr. with his new bride from Holland, arrived September 1, 1979, and served through September, 1984. During this time the F.C.W. improved the kitchen facilities under direction from Milligan Hereford. Extensive repairs were done on the mosaics because of weathering.

     The Rev. James C. Bingham, formerly on the staff of the National Church in New York, became interim Vicar from January, 1985, through July. 1986. Under his able leadership there was a renewal of spirit in the congregation and new members were added. The last debts on St. Matthew's were paid off, and on St. Matthew's Day, 1985, the mortgage was burned and a church cornerstone was laid with the assistance of local Masons in the congregation. A set of beautiful eucharistic vestments and a cope was made by Ruth Clyatt. Fr. Eingham was succeeded by the Rev. Randall Rainwater, formerly on the Cathedral staff in Fresno. Newly married, he and his wife, Susan, have continued the good work begun by Fr. Bingham and the congregation continues to thrive under Fr. Randy's ministry.