The Rev. Matthew McKinstry Patterson came to Wilkinsburg in 1883 to become the first pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Patterson was born in Elizabeth, December 3, 1845, receiving his education in the schools at Buena Vista. He taught school at the Mansfield Academy, afterwards graduating at Westminster College and the Allegheny Theological Seminary.
During his ministry he had but two pastorates; the first, the combined charge of Puckety and Allegheny in Westmoreland Presbytery, where he served eight years (1875–1883) and the second, the First United Presbyterian Church of Wilkinsburg, where his services extended over a quarter of a century, (1883–1909).
His wife was Agnes Parry, born in Pittsburgh, March 7, 1848, whom he married on December 13, 1881, in Moon Township, where she was teaching school.
Wilkinsburg was young like the church when Dr. Patterson came to this community. He built himself into its life. His support of righteousness and order could be counted upon at all times and his congregation was his child.
As its first pastor and only minister during the first 25 years of its history, he placed his imprint upon it and determined its character as long as the congregation shall stand. Under his guidance, it grew from a mission church to a place of leadership in the denomination, and of wide usefulness in the Kingdom of God.
March 28, 1909, he announced his resignation to the congregation and was released June 29, 1909. After his retirement he became pastor emeritus. In this honorary office his counsel and services were willingly given when asked for, but never volunteered.
He had the warm friendship and deep respect of all classes and conditions of people. He always paused for a moment of chat while he asked for all the family and let drop some discriminating comment on men and events. On the vantage ground of his porch, he would tell some humorous incidents out of his rich and varied experience and point a moral, adorning the tale, or, he would be toiling in his beautiful garden where he was so skillful in coaxing into blossom gay and gorgeous flowers all summer long. In church and prayer meeting, his presence was an inspiration and a blessing.
Herbert Patterson, Borough Solicitor, his only son, was born in Wilkinsburg, June 11, 1884, and still lives in the Patterson residence.
Katherine Patterson, “The Rev. M. M. Patterson, D.D.” in Elizabeth M. Davison and Ellen B. McKee, eds., Annals of Old Wilkinsburg and Vicinity: The Village 1788—1888. Wilkinsburg, Pa.: Group for Historical Research, 1940, pp. 503–504.