History

A Journey Through Time: The History of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Kenosha, Wisconsin, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church holds a distinguished place in the community’s heart and history. Founded in 1840, it stands as the oldest church in Kenosha, with an architectural narrative that mirrors the evolution of this vibrant city. Every corner of this church tells a story, making it a cherished landmark for residents and visitors alike.

The journey began with the establishment of the Episcopal congregation in 1840, marking it as the fourth Episcopal church organized within the old Northwest Territory. The original church building found its home where the county courthouse now stands, with its consecration occurring two years later, in 1842. As Kenosha grew, so did the need for a larger, more accommodating space for worship and community gatherings.

In 1872, construction commenced on the present building, which was completed in 1879. This magnificent structure, designed by architect A.H. Ellwood from Aurora, Illinois, showcases a stunning Gothic Revival style. Utilizing local materials – Joliet limestone from Illinois and Racine limestone from Wisconsin – the church embodies a sense of connection to the region’s natural beauty. The architectural features, including the random ashlar stonework and dressed stone trim, personify the craftsmanship of the era while contributing to the building’s historic significance.

The intricate details of St. Matthew’s architecture, from the steeply pitched gable roof to the flying buttresses adorned with stone finials, evoke a sense of reverence and awe. The design effectively captures the essence of Gothic architecture, enhanced by the polygonal apse and the distinctive chapel wings that extend from either side of the main structure. In 1987, the church further embraced its evolving identity by replacing large Gothic windows on the south facade with contemporary stained glass, blending tradition with modern artistry.

Beyond its architectural elegance, St. Matthew’s has continually served as a beacon of hope and community spirit. As a church for all ages, it emphasizes the importance of loving one’s neighbors and respecting the dignity of every person. Engaging in outreach ministries, St. Matthew’s strives to meet the spiritual needs of the Kenosha community, embodying a unique blend of faith and service.

The church believes that music plays an essential role in worship, inviting all to make a “joyful noise unto the Lord.” Sunday worship revolves around the celebration of Holy Eucharist, fostering a deep, communal, and spiritual experience for attendees. As the church looks to the future, efforts to re-develop its Christian Formation program aim to engage individuals from cradle to grave, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging within the community.

At St. Matthew’s, hospitality is a treasured virtue. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the church extends an invitation to all – regardless of background – to experience the divine embrace of faith. As the church’s motto, “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You,” illustrates, there’s a place for everyone here.

In conclusion, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is more than just an architecturally significant landmark; it is a thriving community that has been nurturing the spirit of Kenosha since 1840. With a rich history, a commitment to outreach, and a dedication to worship and music, it remains a beloved institution, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and fellowship.

• St. Matthew’s is the church for the ages in Kenosha, dating to 1840.  Construction on the present church building began in 1872 and was completed in 1879, making it the oldest church building in Kenosha County.
• We are located at 5900 7th Avenue on the beautiful and historic Library Park.
• We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
• St. Matthew’s has a long-standing tradition of serving the community of Kenosha through a variety of outreach ministries.
• Music is an important part of our church life and spiritual foundation, and we believe in making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
• Our Sunday worship is centered on the celebration of Holy Eucharist, more commonly known as the Mass.
• We are beginning to re-develop our Christian Formation to meet the needs of all ages – from cradle to the grave.
• Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.
• We value the gift of hospitality and are open and welcome to all people to come and meet Jesus, come and know Jesus and come and follow Jesus.
• We are people just like you and invite you to be part of a faith-filled and warm, friendly community.  As the motto of our church says:  “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.”

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 stood where the county courthouse now stands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

The rusticated stonework of the church is done in a random ashlar pattern with dressed stone trim. The nave has a steeply pitched gable roof and shed roofs cover the side aisles. The west facade wall features wall buttresses that end above the roof line and are decorated with stone finials and support flying buttresses at each corner, a clock, a louvered belfrey, and a parapet with battlements. Completing the building plan is the polygonal apse on the north facade. A sacristy wing is on the west facade and a chapel wing projects from the east facade. In 1987, large Gothic windows on the south facade were replaced with contemporary stained glass windows.

(historical information from the Library Park Historic District web site)