Our history
Early Parish History
Catholics worshipped in Oak Creek even before a log church was erected at St. Matthew in 1841, the year of the parish’s founding. The brick church that stands along Chicago Road was built around the log church, which was then disassembled and removed through the front door. The brick church was dedicated in 1861 and served the parish for a century.
It was completely renovated from 1981-1991 and rededicated on the Feast of St. Matthew in 1991.
1961-Present
In 1961 an extensive fundraising campaign was launched to build a new church and the parish’s first school. The new building was dedicated on September 23, 1962.
An octagonal Gathering Space and lower-level meeting rooms were added in 2005.
Like all parishes in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, St. Matthew is in the midst of deepening its relationships with other parishes and creatively adjusting to the reality of future priests. But there are many reasons to remain hopeful amid the challenges. We can accomplish great things by working together, united by our faith in Jesus Christ. Ours is a past to be proud of, yet at the same time, ours is a history still being written, as we work together to spread the Word of God.
We hope you will find St. Matthew a welcoming place to grow in your faith. May God bless you!
To listen to parishioner's memories of the parish, please visit our Parish History YouTube page.