St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church

St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church was built in 1913 and is historically significant for its architecture. Designed by local industrial arts teacher, Robert Layton, it is a good example of the Tudor Revival style, which was popular in America in the early 20th century. The church is a small, rectangular wood-frame building covered in stucco. Some timbers, especially in the gable ends, remain visible. St. Matthew's was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Robert Layton was born in England worked as an industrial arts teacher in Iowa Falls' schools. In 1912, he visited England and made sketches of village churches he saw. After returning to Iowa Falls he, along with two students who assisted him, used these drawings to design St. Matthew's. Similar to small churches in England, St. Matthew's design is understated yet still welcoming. Its location along the Iowa River has earned it the nickname "St. Matthew's on the Brink." It was built around the time the first Oak Street bridge was constructed (the current bridge was built in 1928 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places). This enabled church members on the other side of the river to get to St. Matthew's easily.

Naumann, Molly Myers. "St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. October 1, 1993. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/93000961_text.