As a result, Matthews did less official entertaining during his term in office at Queen's Park quarters than anticipated.

Making many visits to churches, hospitals, military, civic, and government functions in his role as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Matthews brought a steady dignity to his service while in office.

Highlights of his tenure include the August 18, 1938, opening with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the Thousand Islands Bridge, connecting Ontario to New York State.

[1] Matthews was also present for the first visit to Canada by a reigning Canadian monarch, King George VI, who was accompanied by his wife, Queen Elizabeth.

[3] In 1960, to commemorate his lifetime of service in the Baptist Church, the Matthews Memorial Tower was built at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario.