St. Matthew’s to build new church
St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, a beacon of faith and community in Marathon, is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for its new sanctuary. This event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at 300 CTH NN, Marathon City, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the church's history.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has been a cornerstone of spiritual growth and community service since 1887. The new building will provide expanded facilities to accommodate the growing congregation and enhance the church's ability to serve the community through worship, fellowship, and outreach programs.
Ben Phelps, one of St. Matthew’s pastors, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This new sanctuary represents our commitment to faith, community, and future generations. It is a place where all are welcome, and we can continue to grow in our mission to serve and share the good news of the Savior Jesus.”
Pastor Jon Hadler, who has served St. Matthew’s since 1999 noted: “The ministry of St. Matthew’s has grown dramatically in the last five years, merging with two smaller congregations to the north and northwest, opening the childcare center, increasing the number of called workers, and more membership involvement. It’s exciting to see where the Lord is taking us.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will include a short service featuring remarks from church leaders and the ceremonial turning of the soil, symbolizing the start of construction which will be carried out by Scherrer Construction. The community is invited to attend, stay for refreshments, and take a tour of the Little Lions childcare– a ministry of St. Matthew’s.
Key features of the new building include:
■ Worship space with seating for over 300 people
■ Ministry Center offices
■ Educational and fellowship areas The new church building is designed to be a welcoming space that reflects St. Matthew's values and vision. It will support a variety of activities, including worship services, community events, educational programs, and outreach initiatives.
ST. MATTHEW’S - This image from Scherrer Construction shows what St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Marathon City has planned for its new sanctuary on CTH NN. The village’s planning commission approved a conditional use permit for the building on July 25.
