About us
At St. Matthew’s, we believe that all human beings are fully made in the image of God, that the spirit of God lives in each one of us, and that we are called to glorify that which unites us while at the same time celebrating the awesome diversity of God’s creation. All of us at St. Matthew’s share a commitment to our faith and to our community, and we welcome everyone. So, come as you are, you are most welcome here.
The Episcopal Church is LGBTQ+ affirming. ALL ARE WELCOME!
About Us
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin, and as such, is part of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church (part of the worldwide Anglican Communion) is often described as both sacramental and creedal, meaning our faith is shaped by outward rituals that convey grace and by formal statements of belief that define its doctrine.
Sacramental
To call the Episcopal Church sacramental means that we emphasize that outward visible and physical things and acts are ways God communicates grace to us. The Church recognizes two primary sacraments—Baptism and Eucharist (Holy Communion)—as central, following the teaching of Jesus Christ. In addition, it acknowledges five other sacramental rites (confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation, and unction). Our worship is therefore highly liturgical and structured, following the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. This includes set prayers, scripture readings, and symbolic actions that reflect our belief that God works through material things and communal ritual—not just inward private belief.
Creedal
To call the Episcopal Church creedal means it grounds its teaching in historic statements of faith, especially the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed. These creeds summarize core Christian beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In Episcopal worship, these creeds are regularly recited, reinforcing shared belief and continuity with the early Church. While the tradition allows for a range of theological perspectives, adherence to these foundational creeds provides a common doctrinal framework.
Putting it together
Being both sacramental and creedal means the Episcopal Church balances practice and belief:
- Sacraments shape how faith is experienced and lived.
- Creeds shape what faith is understood to mean.
This combination reflects Anglicanism’s broader aim: a “middle way” that values both ancient tradition and thoughtful engagement with faith.
Brief History of St Matthew’s
St. Matthew’s is founded
The Episcopal congregation of St. Matthew’s was organized in 1840, the fourth Episcopal church to be organized in the old Northwest Territory. The original church building, consecrated in 1842, stood where the county courthouse now stands.
Bells are installed
A 350-pound bell, which was made by the Holbrook Foundry in Massachusetts, is still in the church tower and is rung on Sunday mornings. It was the first bell in the city of Southport and it was only the third bell in the Northwest Territory. When the bell was first placed in St. Matthew’s tower, the town members rang it continuously for 24 hours.
Modern St. Matthew’s is built
A.H. Ellwood, an architect from Aurora, Illinois who specialized in designing churches, schools, and public buildings, was selected to design the current building. Begun in 1872 and completed in 1879, it is the oldest church building in Kenosha County. The church is built of Joliet (Illinois) and Racine (Wisconsin) limestone in the Gothic Revival style. Ellwood’s work is distinctive in its duplication of historic Gothic architectural details – far more than is usually seen in works of this period.
A Little About St. Matthew’s
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, located at 5900 7th Avenue in the heart of beautiful Library Park, is a historic gem in Kenosha, dating back to 1840. The current church building, was Consecrated and Dedicated as of a Place of Worship in 1879. The parish currently holds the title of the oldest continuously operating church in Kenosha County. With over a century of service, St. Matthew’s has become a cornerstone of the community, where our mission of loving our neighbors and respecting the dignity of every individual shines brightly. We invite everyone to join us in a warm and friendly environment that truly embodies the spirit of hospitality!
Music plays a vital role in our life at St. Matthew’s and the English choral tradition is integral to our worship together. Our regular worship services include both sung and spoken Sunday Masses, liturgies for Feast Days and from the calendar of Saints, seasonal Evensong, and other occasional services. We are excited to announce the revitalization of our Christian Formation programs. We offer regular Bible study, spiritual formation, and catechesis classes for those interested in Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception into The Episcopal Church. From toddlers to seniors, we aim to create opportunities for growth in faith that are engaging and fulfilling. Lay involvement is encouraged and valued here, as our parishioners actively participate in the governance and various ministries, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
At St. Matthew’s, we believe in creating a welcoming space for everyone. As encapsulated in our motto, “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You,” we invite all individuals to come and meet Jesus, know Jesus, and follow Jesus alongside our supportive congregation. We are ordinary people, just like you, and we would be delighted to have you join us in worship and community outreach. Together, let’s continue the rich tradition of serving Kenosha and growing in faith as we embrace the call to love and serve one another.
