St. Matthew Cemetery

Saint Matthew Cemetery, located on Springfield Street near Glenwood Circle, holds a remarkable distinction: it is believed to be the oldest Catholic cemetery in Western Massachusetts. Opened in 1855, the cemetery is the predecessor to Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee and traces its origins to Holy Name of Jesus Parish — established in 1838 as the first parish west of Worcester, originally known as Saint Matthew Parish. That single congregation once served all four counties that now form the Diocese of Springfield, making this cemetery a touchstone of regional Catholic history. Saint Matthew Cemetery is maintained by Springfield Diocesan Cemeteries, Inc., with records kept at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.