Highlights of our Church’s History

St. Matthew Lutheran Church is getting prepared to celebrate its one hundredth anniversary in 2013 with thanksgiving to our God. We are so thankful to our Lord for his presence, His providence and His blessings, nourishing His people with Word and Sacraments all over those years! Get to know what happened and where did we come from. “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). Here are some highlights of our rich history:

1899 (Sept.)         First Missouri Synod worship service in Calgary.

1901 (Fall)           Rev. E. Treu becomes first resident Lutheran pastor in Calgary.

1913 (April)         Jehovah Lutheran Church begins.

1913 (June)         Rev. John E. Herzer becomes first pastor of Jehovah Lutheran Church.

1919 (May)          The first constitution is adopted and signed.

1920 (Fall)            The congregation completes its own house of worship.

1929 (July)           Rev. Clemens Thies becomes the church pastor.

1931 (Oct.)           Rev. Victor L. Meyer becomes the church pastor.

1936 (July)           Rev. Phillip Unterschulz serves as pastor until 1955.

1945 (April)         The present church, parsonage and property are acquired.

1953 (May)          Basement completely excavated to provide more room for the auditorium.

1955 (Dec.)           Rev. Fred Stark serves as pastor until 1988.

1956 (Nov.)          Carillonic bells installed.       

1958 (May)           Neon Cross placed on spire.

1959 (Fall)            Modern Kitchen built and more Sunday school rooms provided.

1960 (Jan.)          Name officially changed to “ST. MATTHEW” Lutheran Church.

1960 (Fall)            Mother’s room provided.

1962 (June)         East balcony built to accommodate choirs and pipe organ.

1962 (July)           Pipe organ purchased.

1973 (March)       New office and house.

1990 (Oct.)           Rev. Horst Gutsche serves as pastor until 1995.

1994 (July)           Rev. Benno Dreger serves as pastor until 1998.

1996 (Sept.)         Rev. Jack P. Hetzel serves as pastor until 2002.

1998 (July)          Renovations started on parking lot, basement extension, heating system and the Lift (elevator).

1998 (Sept.)         St. Matthew Church is designated as an historical building (site).

1999 (Jan.)          Rev. Sean  M. Smallwood serves as pastor until March 2008.

1999 (April)         Renovations started in the spring of 1998 are completed.

2001 (Oct.)           Nuer Services at St. Matthew begin.

2002 (Dec.)           Communion is offered every Sunday at St. Matthew.

2003 (June)         Nuer worshipping at St. Matthew are catechized and confirmed. The Nuer children are baptized.

2008                    Rev. Orlin Anderson serves as vacancy pastor from March to October.

2008 (Oct.)          Rev. Markus Zeuch was installed as the new pastor on October 5^th.