 Throughout the 1920s, Matthews served on the faculty of an array of church-oriented institutes and training schools, usually established for a short period during the spring and summer months.During these brief stints in front of fresh audiences, Matthews attempted to expound his beliefs in pacifism and improved race relations.He was ultimately forced to leave his permanent teaching post because of a "furor over an interracial party held in his home, at which whites were reported to have danced with Negroes."