Dr. Mark A. Matthews

This little-known sculpture was created the year after the death of Dr. Mark A. Matthews (1867-1940), one of Seattle's most colorful and active ministers in the first part of this century. Born in Calhoun, Georgia, he came to Seattle in 1902 to become pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and was welcomed by a 400-member congregation. When he died, that congregation, which included the downtown Seattle church plus branches at Green Lake, South Park, and Pleasant Valley, numbered 80,000. It was the largest Presbyterian congregation in the country.

Matthews's interests extended beyond church affairs. He crusaded against political and police corruption, started Seattle's first program to combat tuberculosis (which later developed into Firlands), and established the city's first kindergarten and nursery schools. Seattle's first juvenile court was created by his efforts, and as a practicing lawyer, he represented the underprivileged without charge. - Art in Seattle’s Public Places, James M. Rupp

Location: Denny Park, 100 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle WA 98109