Father Gelinas was appointed pastor of St. Matthew in 1957 and served until he died in 1973. During his leadership, the physical appearance of St. Matthew changed significantly with a new convent and a new church. 1960, the old convent was torn down and replaced with a much larger two-story brick structure. The original church was no longer adequate. Structural problems closed the choir loft. Many masses found attending parishioners standing outside on the porch and steps for want of room inside. Father Gelinas headed a funding campaign to raise money for a new church.
The present Church was dedicated in the autumn of 1965. The new Roman brick structure with a seating capacity 900 was designed by Louis Schmerber, AIA, and was valued at $425,000 when completed.
The baptistery windows and the stained glass windows were designed and made in Austria. The wooden statues, Stations of the Cross, and Crucifix were hand-carved in Italy. The marble Altars, Baptismal Font, and Holy Water Fonts are also Italian.
The 45-foot ceiling, light walls, and tall windows were designed to give the feeling of spaciousness. The bell tower, clad in quartz and cement, houses the bells from the original church. The old church was torn down and replaced with a paved parking lot.