History

Mathews House is named for Shailer Mathews (1863-1941) who was a longtime professor and dean of the University of Chicago.s Divinity School. Mathews was noted for his progressive bent in religious matters, believing that social concerns were an essential part of the Gospel and that the Bible did not exclude evolutionary possibilities. It is believed that he gave the shortest sermon ever delivered at the University.s Bond Chapel, which, in its entirety, was, .What worries me is not if I shall have immortality, but if I have it, what I'll do with it. Shall we pray?" Mathews House occupies the Northeast corner of Burton-Judson courts, and is home to 48 students (usually about 20 first years), making it a small house compared to most, but the second largest in B-J. Like the rest of B-J, Mathews House rooms are mostly singles with a few large doubles.

Culture

"Mathews is Love." The house slogan is painted on the wall of our house lounge and is the guiding principle of all Mathewsniks. Among all of the Burton Judson houses, Mathews is particularly known for its independent streak and lively dining hall conversation. As far as involvement in house life, there is almost no distinction within the house between students of different academic years. First through fourth years all live together harmoniously. Mathews House has an especially high retention rate, so almost all residents stay in the house beyond their first year. Even those that do move away from the house enjoy a strong connection to the community as associate members. Incoming first years to Mathews find a house that takes pride in its strong community " in short, a true family.