ABOUT US
James Croucher
Tom Brassil
Minister for Sherford
Community Worker
St. Matthew’s Church is located on the eastern edge of Plymouth, next to the Elburton Inn.
We are an easy walk from most parts of the parish, have plenty of parking available,
and are well-served by public transport.
We are an anglican church, meaning that we are part of the Church of England, and we are evangelical, meaning that we try to follow the Bible's teaching even when it's counter-cultural.
Why we exist
We believe that Jesus is the saviour available to everyone, and is coming back sometime soon to take us home, Our task is to get ready for this day, and to help others to do likewise. To this end we run many different groups and activities, and hope to provide more information about these online soon.
If you would like to find out more, please contact the church office, or just visit us on a Sunday - you would be so welcome, whatever your beliefs or background.
We take safety & safeguarding matters very seriously - you can find more information here.
Meet the Team
![DSC_0481[1] (2).JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/035ae1_7bfee38d37b7468d8fa582b9b19bf732~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_33,y_66,w_3135,h_3710/fill/w_160,h_189,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/DSC_0481%5B1%5D%20(2)_JPG.jpg)
James Croucher
Vicar
James joined St Matthew’s in June 2016, moving here with his wife Becky and their three young boys. Previously he was a teacher in Amman, Jordan and a trainee minister in Romford, Essex. James enjoys swinging a golf club and having a go at a range of other sports.
Andrew Edmonds
Church Warden
Andrew was born in Kingsbridge and, at the age of fifteen, joined the Royal Air Force. After a final post working at Manadon Engineering College, he finally retired in 1994.
Andrew and his wife Angela first came to St Matthew’s in 1990 and have been enjoyed being part of the church family ever since.
Linda Dodwell
Reader
Linda is from Cornwall, and has helped many bereaved families find hope in the midst of great sadness.
Jenny Hart
Admin Team
When she’s not keeping the church running, Jenny enjoys walking, singing and painting.
John Price
Youth Minister
John, his wife and two sons moved to St Matthew’s in September 2015. Since then the family has been blessed by the addition of a daughter. Before moving to Plymouth John was a ministry trainee in Hove, Sussex, and worked as a baker for three years. John loves it when stories are told in a visual manner, from movies and TV shows to video games and comic books. He also enjoys spending time trying to bake something tasty in his kitchen.
Maggie Owen
Church Warden
Margaret Bonning was christened in postwar Devonport many moons ago. Having trained as a teacher in Hertfordshire, Maggie returned to Hooe as Maggie Owen in 1988 with husband Bob and three children. They moved to Elburton in 2001. Maggie recognised Rod Thomas from his time at St Andrew’s, and he helped them find their home at St Matthew's. Maggie enjoys reading, walking and talking over a cuppa.
Cherry Lawrence
Safeguarding Representative
Cherry has been a member of St Matthew’s since 2018. She moved to Plymouth to be near her son (who is an officer in the Royal Navy), and two grandchildren. Prior to her retirement in 2017, Cherry worked for the NHS North East London Trust, and is keen on Art Therapy.
Our safeguarding page is located here.
Cynthia Draper
Admin Team
Cindy has been part of St Matthew’s since she was five, with a break when she moved away. Since retiring about 10 years ago, Cindy's been working in the church office, and also loves working with the young people. Cindy and her husband Mike enjoy spending time at their home in Brittany with their children and grandchildren, enjoying the French cuisine.