About Us
We are a medium-sized congregation, diverse in age, race and background. Our members range from a few months old, to well into their nineties. Amongst our group we have nurses and teachers, programmers and mechanics, custodians and philosophers. People join our church family because of our family atmosphere, children’s work, biblical teaching and excellence in music. We have close ties to various Universities and Portland Christian Schools. There are some members who have been here since the parish was founded; others arrived last week. We could be the church for you! Click here for Service FAQs
Our Leadership
Fr. David Humphrey
= Rector =
Fr. David was ordained in the Church of England in 1988 and ministered there until coming to St. Matthew’s in 2004. He is now a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. His aspiration is summarized by Colossians 1:28: “We proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” As Rector he is responsible for the Bible teaching and pastoral ministry at St. Matthew’s. He and his wife, Rachel, have four children.
Emma Cowell
=Parish Music Director=
As Parish Music Director, Emma Cowell is grateful to serve as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Matthew’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from Geneva College and a master’s degree in Musicology from Youngstown State University, where her research focused on musical settings of John Donne’s poetry.
In addition to serving at S.t Matthew’s, Emma teaches on the voice faculty of Willamette University. She is also a member of Cantores In Ecclesia and Co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Boulanger, a Portland-based duo that presents lecture-recitals of music by historic women. She has appeared with ensembles including Portland Opera in the Park, Light Opera of Portland, Ping and Woof Opera, The Bach Cantata Choir, The Oregon Chorale, and Pacific Stageworks.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys reading, knitting, painting, and spending time with her many friends and her house rabbit Parsley.
Rev. Jeremiah Thornton
= Deacon, Facilities Manager =
Rev. Deacon Jeremiah Thornton is honored to serve as the Facilities Manager for St. Matthew’s, among other duties such as maintaining the various digital platforms and engaging with many of St. Matthew’s ministries. He has had a heart to serve others his whole life, and it was during his high-school time that other believers affirmed his calling to ordained ministry. He was ordained to the Diaconate in October of 2025 and is in the process of discerning and preparing for the priesthood.
Rev. Jeremiah has a Bachelors degree in History and Bible from Multnomah University (incorporated into Jessup University), a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and various honors and recognitions from volunteer organizations that he has participated in, such as the Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America). He enjoys photography, hiking, gardening, and enjoying the creative outlets of tabletop games and video games. This is accompanied by his role in leading our Young Adult gaming party.
Rev. Daniel A Burnett
= Deacon =
Rev. Deacon Daniel A. Burnett is thrilled to serve with St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. He was ordained to the diaconate in the Diocese of Cascadia in October 2025. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Portland State University. Rev. Burnett also holds a Master of Divinity from Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He works as a hospice chaplain, providing spiritual care for terminally ill patients and their families. He lives in Gresham with his wife Emily and their three wildling daughters, Aurelia, Brynn, and Celeste. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and anything else that gets him away from the bustle of the city and into Creation.
2026 Vestry
= Leadership Board =
Our Vestry is composed of members of the congregation elected to 3 year terms. Each member of the Vestry takes charge of a commission to ensure that the needs of our congregation and our community are met. These commissions are flexible at the beginning of each year to suit the upcoming needs of the congregation, but usually remain the same. Our commissions are: Management, Technology, Evangelism, Missions, Outreach, Newcomer Care, Hospitality, Adult Ministries, Young Adult Ministries, Children’s Ministries, Worship, Parish Care, Stewardship, and Facilities/Verger. We have many other groups that meet for specific needs as well, such as our Altar Guild, Coffee Hour, Choir, and Bazaar. Joining the Vestry are our ex-officio (non-voting) members: our clergy, a clerk, and a treasurer.
A Brief History:
St. Matthew’s Church has been a light for Christ on the east side of Portland more than eighty years. Our congregation was formed in 1944 and soon built its first church building on the corner of NE Skidmore Street and NE 102nd Avenue. When that was outgrown, a new church was built in 1957 near the corner of NE Prescott Street and NE 112th Avenue.
In 2010, after a long process of discernment involving Bible study, discussion and prayer, we left the Episcopal Church and our church building. This decision was taken after several years of deep concern regarding the Episcopal Church’s theology, Christology and interpretation of Scripture. Since that time, we have been worshipping with great joy in the Anglican Church in North America.
In 2023, we were gifted with our current property on 11100 NE Skidmore, just a short distance away from our first two locations. This was due to the enormous kindness and trust of our friends at Faithful Savior Lutheran Church and by the grace of God. We have great hope for God’s continued work in our neighborhood, and for his provision for Children’s Valley Academy to whom we rent space.
We are:
All Sinners
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)
Spirit-filled
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
Forgiven
“…and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
Bible-based
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Christ-centered
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
A Family
Jesus said “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’”
— Matthew 28:19