St Matthew-By-The-Bridge

Iowa Falls is located on one of the most scenic stretches of the Iowa River. The economy is primarily focused on agribusiness in North Central Iowa; the population is about five thousand (2010 census). The city is the home of Ellsworth Community College and a regional transportation center - located on U.S. Highway Route 65 and near Route 20 and Interstate 35, and on routes of the Canadian National and Union Pacific Railroads.

Iowa Falls is the home of several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of these is St Matthew. Constructed in 1913, it is a significant example of a Tudor Revival style church with an interior that further exemplifies the style. The church was designed by Robert Layton, who was born in England in 1884 and arrived in the United States in 1910. The church is next to and above the Iowa River at the top of a steep slope to the River's edge - the church's motto is "By The Water, With The Word."

St Matthew is a mission church with a small membership both of older couples and singles and of families with children.  Members participate in delivering Meals On Wheels and a Summer Free Lunch program - both ecumenical community ministries. St Matthew also presents the Iowa Falls Summer Organ Recital Series to the community and surrounding area, which features regionally, nationally, and internationally known organists. Recitals are presented at the church free of charge and made possible in part by grants from local philanthropies and organizations together with freewill contributions from recital-goers. St Matthew also offers the community a Shrove Tuesday celebration to prepare for fasting during Lent and a presentation of Advent Lessons and Carols - a time for spiritual preparation during a season for quiet reflection and joyful expectation.