This original corner stone can be seen
(it is believed) near the lower corner
of the building as pictured above on left.

For a brief period in the early 1800s, the Episcopal Church of the town opened their doors to the Lutherans for their use in public worship. It seems a well-authenticated fact that Rev. Frederitze was here as early as 1800 and preached in that church for our people. When for some reason, not now known, the courtesy of this church privilege was denied them, the little handful of Lutherans, numbering only seventeen, heroically resolved to build their own church. The structure was to be of logs and each person offered to furnish his share and deliver them on the ground. The Reformed Church pioneers, being in similar need, were invited to cooperate in the new church project. The proposition was agreeable to them, so that in the year 1807 they began, together, to build the original old church on the hill, now the southeast corner of First and Center Streets.

The name of the church at that time was St. Paul’s Union Lutheran and Reformed, which name it bore until the time of the incorporation of the church in 1856 when the name was changed to St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bloomsburg, Penna.

In 1857, the congregation took on the task of remodeling the church. They set out to secure money to buy materials and pay labor and with their courage and perseverance, the congregation accomplished their goal. At length, however, the remodeling was completed and the church was dedicated Sept. 20, 1857, with a debt of about $2300.

During the late 1800’s, a pipe organ, first for the church, was secured at a mere $900. In December 1889, the congregation decided to build a parsonage for the pastor. This was done upon the present location at the coast of about $4000. The lot had been purchased from Dr. Reber for $2150. The lower room of the church was again renovated in 1891. In 1893, some further changes were made. The stained glass windows and tin roof were placed, cushions were gotten for the pews and new carpet was put in the church. The old gallery in the rear was removed and a smaller one for the organ and choir was located in the front corner of the church.

Upon the arrival of Rev. J. Edward Byers, the congregation was in the midst of planning for a new pipe organ, and the enlargement of the church to make a suitable place for locating it. An addition was built to the end of the church immediately behind the pulpit for the organ and choir gallery. A fine Moller organ was bought and placed. Mr. Andrew Carnegie contributed $800 to help in procuring the instrument. The church was also newly papered and a new carpet put in at this time. It was during this time that the 100th anniversary of the building of the first Lutheran church in Bloomsburg was celebrated. The important feature of the occasion, however, was the starting of a fund for a new church. The pressing need of this was evident to all, and about $7000 was subscribed to the fund.

At the start of Rev. Norman S. Wolf’s service to St. Matthew Church in 1917, the congregation had grown from a few hardy pioneers to a growing congregation of more than 500 persons. The fund that had been started nearly a decade before was around $9000. By 1924, the fund had grown to about $70,000, and at this time, the decision was reached to start the actual building of the new church. It is worthy to note that the membership had grown form about 500 in 1917, to nearly a thousand, which the coveted goal of a new church made much easier in becoming a reality. The Building Committee was organized in 1920, and along with the Finance Committee, they were able to increase the fund on hand from $70,000 to $120,000 by the time work was begun.

The Cornerstone was laid September 14, 1924, at a service conducted by Rev. Wolf. Finally, after a year of steady progress, the Church was finished and the Dedication was held on November 8, 1925. After completion of the Church, the balance of Rev. Wolf’s pastorate was spent in continued growth and fulfillment of Christian service. Many organizations flourished within the Church, and an active Young People’s movement was organized. Great emphasis was also put on the Sunday School program, which has carried through to the present day. During Dr. Wolf’s pastorate the congregation had grown from around 500 in 1917 to 1374 confirmed members at the time of his leaving, in 1945. The beautiful Church planned originally in 1907 and brought to fulfillment in 1925; the burning of the Church mortgage during 1931; freeing the Church of debt; the tremendous growth in both membership and financial aid to our own Church and the Church at large-stand as the greatest tributes to a faithful Minister of God, Rev. Norman S. Wolf, D.D.

On January 15th, 1954, the Rev. Mr. James M. Singer became the Pastor of the Church. Some time after his arrival in Bloomsburg, it was felt that even with the wonderful Church building, it would be advisable to renovate it, making more room, and adding a wing to the building, if possible. This movement was finally started during 1956 and constructions began in the spring of 1956. This vast program costing $190,000 was completed in the spring of 1957, and the dedication service as held on Sunday, June 17, 1957. Added space, the complete redecorating of the church proper, the Sunday School Class rooms, and the splendid facilities for the choirs and church offices, the simplicity of the new Chapel became a home to be justly proud of.

During Pastor Singer’s ministry the congregation grew to about 2102 baptized members, 1539 confirmed membership, and 1108 communing membership. These figures are the highest they ever were in 150 years. Pastor Singer was very active in church and community service during his stay in Bloomsburg. He helped establish a family counseling service in Bloomsburg and served as the first president of the agency’s board.

Pastor Roller assumed his duties at St. Matthew with new and adequate facilities. Starting in 1965, and continuing for several years a number of young people for St. Matthew participated in work camps sponsored by the L.C.A. They helped repair a variety of structures, a home for the aged, a ghetto church, a home for mentally handicapped children and worked on an Indian reservation.

In 1968, Pastor Dorward initiated the “Adopt-a-student” program for Lutherans attending Bloomsburg State College. Seventy-five students were “adopted” by families at St. Matthew and many relationships continued well after the students had left.

Pastor E. Gorden Ross was known for his warm personality and deep concern for his congregation. An important part of Dr. Ross’ pastorate was retreats and trips; retreats to encourage Christian sharing with the congregation, and trips to show the fun part of Christianity.

In 1980, the parsonage was rented as a Women’s Center for women and children who needed temporary housing. The Women’s Center is still in use today.

The congregations of St. Matthew have been making repairs, renovations and rebuilding since the 1830’s when the log cabin church was weathered boarded. The new century found St. Matthew making many capital improvements, not only for necessary upkeep, but also for the comfort and convenience of the congregation.

In 1999 St, Matthew installed a ramp at the rear of the church, the first step to make the building handicapped accessible. Air conditioning was installed in the Chapel in May 2004. Pastor Sigler was instrumental in having the elevator installed. On May 15, 2004 the contract was signed to install a three story elevator running from the basement to the second floor. The elevator was dedicated on November 21, 2004. At the same service the new heating system and air conditioning in the chapel were also dedicated. Cosmetic and physical repairs were recently completed on the kitchenette and bathroom on both the first and second floors.