Each year during Holy Week, the Sanctuary Choir, Orchestra, and Drama Ministry combine to present the Joy of Easter. The story of Christ’s death on the cross, his resurrection, and triumph over sin and death. You have two opportunities to experience this live event and admission is completely free! There will be a love offering taken to support this important ministry during the evening. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come!

The Joy of Easter is interpreted nightly for the hearing impaired. It is also streamed LIVE nightly on the church website.

To make reservations for large groups, please call the church office at 618-397-5994

It was 31 years ago this evening our then pastor Rev. Robert Souders declared "We will build again!"

At approximately 6:40 p.m. a fire broke out on the church stage set for our Easter pageant, the "Joy of Easter”.

“We’re seeing what our labors are going up in flames, but our spirit will be back. We will not shake our faith”, said Rev. Robert Souders

Fire fighters from six different fire departments spent more than six hours fighting the blaze. There were five others on standby in case they were needed.

Everyone made it our okay. One fire fighter sprained his arm and was treated on the scene.

“This building was built by the hands of this congregation and my heart is just broken for the loss of the building, but we didn’t lose our church, our church, our people, and we still have our people.”, Rev. Robert Souders

The Sanctuary was a total loss, including the pianos, organ, pews, hymnals, video room, and sound system.

Easter Sunrise Service was held in a tent in the parking lot of Kurrus Funeral Home. Easter Service was then held at the Scottish Rite in West Belleville.

After much work of volunteers and contractors we were able to move back into the sanctuary in August of 1994, just four months after the devastating fire.

What Satan meant for destruction God used for His glory!!

Since that devastating fire, Saint Matthew is now stronger than ever, and continues to grow. Each year we still put on the “Joy of Easter”, and many have come to find Jesus as their personal Savior through the telling of Jesus' sacrificial love for us in the "Joy of Easter".

To see videos from that devastating day, Click Here.

Come worship the Risen Savior with us on Easter Sunday. 

We have two service:

9:00 a.m. – Blended Service with Choir & Orchestra

10:45 a.m. – Contemporary Service with Praise Band

Both services are live streamed on here on the Church Website, Facebook Live, and YouTube

Equipping Men to Contend for the Faith in Discipleship

Preaching - Pastor D.J. Dangerfield

Worship - The Great Romance

YOU are invited to St. Matthew Spring Women’s Event, May 2, 2026; 1 - 4 pm.

Come expecting to connect with the Lord and other sisters in Christ during this
wonderful afternoon full of Worship with Katie Griffin and the Praise Team,

The Word with Gina Swickard, Skit Testimonies by women at St. Matthew Church, Time of Prayer, and fun Fellowship with appetizers and desserts.  Coffee Bar will also be open!

Join us in the Chapel for a time of prayer for our city, for our state, and for our Nation.

Marker your calendars for  June 8-12 for Vacation Bible School. More Details to Come.

Keyboard Praise is an annual celebration of music from many different eras. It will be streamed live on the church website, Facebook, and YouTube. You can read more about our Keyboard Praise event here.

To make reservations for large groups, please call the church office at 618-397-5994