St Matthew's Church, Carver Street

The church was built in 1855 to serve the communities of the inner city of Sheffield. The  congregation was large, and originally the church could seat 731 people. The surrounding  streets were back-to-back housing until the middle of the 20th century. Fr Ommaney (Priest  of St Matthew’s, 1882-1936) was a leading light of the Anglo-Catholic movement, and  converted St Matthew’s into a focal point for teaching and practice of the Catholic Revival in  the Church of England. Known as the ‘People’s Priest’ during his time at St Matthew’s, he  chose to live in the slums nearby, and believed that people deserved beautiful churches to  worship God. He is recorded in many national publications and has also been written about  locally as a renowned local character for his tireless efforts to serve the people.  

The interior of the church maintains many of the additions from Fr Ommaney’s time and is a great example of ‘arts and craft’ styles from the UK and the Continent. The reredos behind the High Altar features a gorgeous painting of the Nativity. You can follow the story of Christ’s passion and death with carved and painted Stations of the Cross mounted around the Nave. Plenty of knowledgable volunteers will bring the history of this unique and storied church come alive.

This lively church is a warm and welcoming place of peace and prayer for all who need it.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

1000-1700

Saturday 13 September:

0930-1500

Monday 15 September:

1000-1700

Tuesday 16 September:

1000-1700

Wednesday 17 September:

1000-1700

Thursday 18 September:

1000-1700

Friday 19 September:

1000-1700

Saturday 20 September:

0930-1500

Location & directions

45 Carver Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4FT

Contact on day:

Ian Burgess

Telephone number:

+447387023808

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Step-free access is available through the Art House, entrance on Backfields (behind the church).

Additional information

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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