We gather in “Koinonia” – a Christian fellowship brought about by the Holy Spirit.

As the Holy Spirit guided our congregation for the past 175 years, so now the Spirit leads us into the future.

Skoponong - "sweet-scented land."

Located in Palmyra, the heart of the Kettle Moraine area, St. Matthew is one of the first ten Lutheran churches organized in Wisconsin, Established in 1844. The church was originally know as  "Skoponong" - which was adapted from the Winnebago Indian word "Scuppernong" which meant "sweet scented" (referring to the area). The early Norwegian settlers who formed the first congregation held church services in members' homes until 1849, when the first church of tamarack logs was built.  This was replaced in 1869 with a frame structured that burnt down in 1936.  The congregation moved to its present site in Palmyra in 1937 - purchasing an existing church structure built in 1894.  In 1960, the church name was changed to St. Matthew.  A major addition was dedicated in 1993 to add Sunday School classrooms, meeting facilities and offices, all with handicap accessibility, St. Matthew belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). 

The Spirit of Fellowship embraces others through our history in the community.

175 years ago the first Norwegian settlers, in the area that became known as Skoponong, certainly could not have imagined that their church services in a family’s log cabin would survive the test of time.  In 1844 those early settlers experienced a warm fellowship with Christian neighbors and placed a great value on their time for worship.  In 1849 they built a log cabin church on what is now Young Road near Bald Bluff.  In 1869, as the membership grew, a larger white frame church with a tall steeple was built next to their Skoponong Cemetery.  The church was a member of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was the official name for the Norwegian churches in Walworth and Jefferson Counties in the mid-1800s.

During the night of July 11, 1936, lightning struck the church and everything was lost.  The congregation’s strength and determination was tested as they then worshipped in the Skoponong School and searched for a more permeant solution.  The vacant Congregational church building in Palmyra was being used by German Lutherans who invited the Skoponong congregation to worship with them.  The Skoponong congregation purchased that building in 1937 and the two congregations merged, with the church being named the Skoponong Lutheran Church.  It shared a pastor with three other nearby churches until 1954 when Rev. Elmer Johnson came to lead and serve.  Since then 27 full time pastors have been the spiritual leaders at St. Matthew.

Skoponong became incorporated in December, 1956.  A vote was taken in 1959 to change the name to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, and that became official when the new constitution was adopted in March 1961.  B the 1980’s the church membership had grown greatly.  There was a need for more Sunday school rooms, a larger fellowship hall, a larger narthex, more office space and better accessibility.  Taking a leap of faith and lead by the Spirit, the membership mad financial pledges and obtained a loan for the building of an addition which was dedicated in November, 1993.

Now in our 175th anniversary year, Pastor Steven M.D. Blyth continues leading our congregation, this being his 19th year.  Since 2014, we have been blessed with the leadership of Council presidents Marlene Frehner, Dori Giese, Jean Shuler, Darla Lannewehr, and currently Steve stocker.  Choir director and part-time organist Deanna (Rindt) Kulow stepped down from her positions following many years of dedicated service.  Karen Nordby continued as primary organist and for three years of dedicated service.  Karen Nordby continued as primary organist and for three years was joined by William Webb who played part-time for services and took on the role of choir director.

Much has happened since our 170th anniversary pictorial directory was published in 2014.  A major kitchen renovation was completed, updating some parts of the kitchen that dated back to the 1950’s.  Updates to the parsonage also were undertaken and minor repairs made.  A highlight of 2015 was the donation of an outdoor digital church sign donated by James Omdoll Jr.  His lineage traced back to the original Skoponong congregation.  Memorial funds helped pay for the sign’s base.  Also in 2015 a new experience was offered when an evening outdoor Pet Blessing service was held with good attendance by pets and their owners.

The women of the church, under the leadership of Donna (Parsons) Holcomb, in 2016 officially re-established and organized women’s group with regular meetings and elected officers.

A new tradition was established as Sunday School Rally day was held at Lutherdale Bible Camp, offering an outdoor worship service, games, pontoon rides and a pot-luck meal.

In 2017 the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant reformation, and the courage displayed by Martin Luther, was celebrated with a special church service and fellowship meal.  The Sunday school rooms, fellowship hall and upstairs conference room were painted, and the garage at the rental house was resided by volunteer congregational labor and donated materials.

The congregation experienced building woes that year when a severe spring hailstorm damaged all there of the congregations properties, resulting in the need for new siding, roofs and gutters.  Fortunately, membership contributions and insurance covered much of the expense.  Also that year it was disheartening to see that the illuminated cross gracing the top of the steeple since 1955 failed to light and had to be removed and completely refurbished.  The cross was a memorial to Richard Tutton and had been donated by his parents Arnold and Mary Tutton.  Richard’s brother and parishioners donated funds to repair and re-install the cross, which once again serves as a visual reminder of Christ’s love for all people and his Spirit among us.

In 2018 and 2019 we continue to follow special traditions established years ago.  Lenten ecumenical worship services are offered and annual Lenten Soup & Bread suppers are open to the community.  Easter breakfast is a time for fellowship and joy, and a Memorial weekend worship service is held at the Skoponong Cemetery where once stood the church that perished in the fire.  Free Thanksgiving meals are prepared and served to all who wish to partake, and the Christmas Giving Tree provides gifts for families in the school district.

It is important that we remember that our church is not the building.  Our church is the people who are united in their belief in God, in Jesus as their Savior, and are dedicated to carrying out our mission of sharing the love of Christ with others.  To this end our congregation emphasizes stewardship of time, talents and treasures.  A missionary is sponsored; quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief; money is given for the World Hunger Appeal; school supplies are gathered for local school children; Mr. Meru coffee is sold to help support small coffee farmers in Tanzania; our youth travel on mission trips to lend aid to others, and our church building serves as the community’s Food Pantry by making food available to all who are experiencing a time of need.

Our Norwegian and German ancestors would likely be in awe of the wonderful changes in the Skoponong/St. Matthew church.  However, they might also be very concerned about he increasing persecution of Christians and people of other religions, both in our country and in many areas of the world.  A disappointment to them would be the dwindling of Christian church attendance and financial support that many U.S. churches are experiencing.

Even with these concerns, and led by the Holy Spirit, St. Matthew will continue to be a place for worship, for Christian fellowship, and a viaduct for service to others here and around the world.  As the Spirit guided our past, the Spirit now gives us faith and courage and leads us in to the future.