Jane Austen and St. Matthew’s

What do Jane Austen and St. Matthew’s have in common? It may surprise some to learn that the much-loved author of Pride and Prejudice and their church share quite a bit of history and theology. Despite her humorous portrayals of clergymen, she was a devout Anglican. As for the history of St. Matthew’s, it parallels Jane Austen’s, just an ocean away.  

For example, in 1768 the first church building of St. Matthew’s was built on lot 98. 1768 was the same year that Jane's father, the Reverend George Austen, would become the rector of Steventon parish, where Jane Austen was born and grew up.  Another interesting parallel is that Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775. Seventy-three days later, on February 27, 1776, St. Matthew’s first rector, the Reverend George Micklejohn, was exiled for being a Loyalist to the British crown.   

Jane Austen is the most influential author in the English language. This is remarkable, given that she died at 41 and only published six novels. Despite her brief life, her legacy endures.  This legacy parallels the history of St. Matthew’s, as it approaches its Bicentennial celebration. Jane Austen’s novels provide an insight into Anglicanism during the early years of St. Matthews.   

Over the next few weeks, I invite you to explore what it means that the most influential author in the English language was an Anglican. What from Jane Austen’s writing can we learn about our faith? What from Jane Austen can we learn about St. Matthew’s? 

Sami Moll, Summer 2024 Duke Intern