St. Matthew was a former tax collector was called by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Apostles. Matthew was the first to write is Gospel in around the year 50, first in Amarmaic and later in Greek.

As one of the four Evangelists, St. Matthew is represented by an angel or winged man because his Gospel begins with the story of the angel who appeared to Joseph about the coming of Jesus. As an Apostle, he is represented by a purse and a lance.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-25

This is another version of St. Matthew. This one is carved into the pulpit.