In 1957, as the city of Wausau started expanding, Bishop Treacy decided that the city needed a new parish to serve the outlying area on the west side of town.

In the summer of 1958, on the corner of 28th Ave. and what used to be Stewart Ave. (part of the Deichsal farm), a 30-acre parcel was acquired, and so the parish idea began.  In July 1958 Bishop Treacy's chose Fr. Bernard McGarty to be the first Pastor of St. Matthew's.

Masses started being celebrated in a box-like structure known as Wausau Auto Auction, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Ed Bembinster. Christmas Masses were celebrated in the Youth Building at Marathon Park. Masses were celebrated at this location for two years with approximately 180 families.

Construction of St. Matthew School began in the summer of 1959 and was completed in 1960. The construction of the church began in 1960 with an emphasis on the word tabernacle, which, in its literal sense, means a place where God tents among his people. The tall pillars of our Church’s interior represent the tent poles of the Ark of the Covenant. The angles on the ceiling, the folds in the tent material. The final touch on the church took place about two years later when the Bell Tower was built.

On July 10, 1960, Mass was said for the last time at the Auto Auction. Bishop Treacy dedicated the school and the church on November 5th, 1961.

In March of 1965 the ladies of the church started a fund drive for a convent on the property. This project was completed in December of 1965.  Construction of the gymnasium on St. Matthew School was started in June of 1979.  The rectory was begun later.  In the autumn of 1980 the gym and cafeteria was used for the first time.

In 1986 St. Matthew School transitioned into St. Matthew Middle School, serving as a middle school until 2010.  The school building is currently leased to Faith Christian Academy.  The original convent building now serves as the Parish Center, with offices for staff and rooms for groups to have meetings.

Around 2005 discussion resumed about adding a gathering space to the church.  In 2015 the new gathering space, the Locus Angelorum, was completed. The entire addition included the new gathering area, handicap-accessible restrooms, a bridal room, and the long-awaited air conditioning to the church.  During the winter, people enjoy seeing the lit stained-glass windows of the Angels from 28th Ave.

As we think back to those days in July 1958, standing in the tall grass of the Deischel farm and imagining what we have today, there have been many, many changes. As the Pastors of St. Matthew Parish have come and gone, there seems to be a common thread between them all: this is a Christian community with a deep felt commitment to God, to St. Matthew Parish, and to each other.