Matthew Cowley (August 2, 1897 – December 13, 1953) was an American missionary in New Zealand and then served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1945 until his death.

That same year, Cowley's father was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.

He also translated the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price into Māori, with the assistance of Wiremu Duncan and Stuart Meha.

[3] While in Washington, D.C., Cowley was appointed Sunday School Superintendent in the local congregation, but was forced to resign due to his rigorous studies.

Upon graduation, he returned to Salt Lake City, where he gained admission to the Utah State Bar Association in 1925.

He directed the affairs of the missionaries in New Zealand and oversaw church proceedings in the area.

He was affectionately called tumuaki, meaning president, by the Māori members of the church.

During his service, he adopted a Māori baby boy, Duncan Nopera Meha Cowley (Toni).

Cowley was ordained an apostle on October 11, 1945, by new church president George Albert Smith.

George Q. Morris was called to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.