Why St Matthew's Day?

[Katharine]

This morning in church we had a visiting cleric who decided to celebrated St Matthew's Day. As I left, I thanked him and said I was probably the only person there who had marched through the streets of London to celebrate said saint. he was quite interested and asked for more details. When he asked why we did it then I was at a loss. I seem to remember it is something to do with a special sermon. Can anyone help, please?

[Alice Goble]

I'm not completely sure either! I looked on wikipedia yesterday and it said that it was the day that the govenors of the school were elected and are now, but I'm sure there is something else to it.

[Vièr Bliu]

My handy copy of GAT Allan (revised Morpurgo) explains that "as the school was ready for occupation in September, 1552, the following St. Matthew's Day fell at the end of a complete financial year" and that "St. Matthew's Day was, by Act of Parliament, the day on which the lists of Governors of the Royal Hospitals were handed to the Lord Mayor, and thereby received the implicit approval of the City..." (Chapter 4)

There's more about how the Orations were originally spouted on St. Matthew's Day as part of what we'd call nowadays a spin operation to show off the Foundation and drum up more donations - but I can't be bothered to scan it at the mo as the sun is shining and I have a longue tchaîse to re-varnish outside.

[englishangel]

My handy copy of GAT Allan (revised Morpurgo) explains that "as the school was ready for occupation in September, 1552, the following St. Matthew's Day fell at the end of a complete financial year" and that "St. Matthew's Day was, by Act of Parliament, the day on which the lists of Governors of the Royal Hospitals were handed to the Lord Mayor, and thereby received the implicit approval of the City..." (Chapter 4)

There's more about how the Orations were originally spouted on St. Matthew's Day as part of what we'd call nowadays a spin operation to show off the Foundation and drum up more donations - but I can't be bothered to scan it at the mo as the sun is shining and I have a longue tchaîse to re-varnish outside.

As good an excuse as any I've heard

[Vièr Bliu]

As good an excuse as any I've heard

In this case the plain varnished truth. I'd rather have been stretched out on the item of furniture, reading in the sun, than undertaking the maintenance - but I had to take advantage of what might be the last dry weekend for a while.

Back on topic, GAT Allan also suggests that as St Matthew was a tax-collector, festal sermons tended towards the financial, and preachers naturally suggested to their flock that they jolly well ought to cough up for good causes. Parading bluecoated waifs, orphans and other unfortunates on such occasions was also calculated to loosen the pursestrings of benefactors and encourage their "charitable benevolence".

[Great Plum]

I always know when St Matt's Day is as he is our church's patron saint...