The Episcopal Church in Madison began exploration to found a parish church sometime in the mid 1980's. The original parish was named "Our Savior." This attempt was ill-fated, and resurfaced as St. Matthew's in September of 1991. The first rector for St. Matthew's was The Rev. Mike Cleckler. The church met in a warehouse on Commerce Circle during the early years. The parish came together to convert this into a worship space. Fr. Cleckler left and The Rev. Emile Joffrion became the interim rector during the search for a new rector. The Rev. Paul Bailey was called to become the second full-time rector of St. Matthew's in February of 1995. Fr. Paul guided the parish toward the successful construction of a permanent building site. The construction of a parish hall (to be used for worship) office space, and Christian education facility was completed in 1998. Fr. Paul left a year later, and The Rev. Jim Alves was called to be the second interim rector shortly after Fr. Paul left. In December of 2000, The Rev. Steve Gruman became the third rector of St. Matthew's.

Since the beginning of "Our Savior" to the present the parish has grown and prospered. We now have an average attendance near 260 on Sunday (with three services). Our Sunday School has around 100 participants, leading the vestry to fund a position of Christian Formation Director. Our youth participation has grown as well, leading the vestry to create a paid position of Youth Director. In 1996, Cathy Williams was hired to be the parish secretary. In a short time this position was expanded and Cathy became the parish administrator/secretary.

The years ahead look to be exciting for St. Matthew's. A new sanctuary has been completed as of September 2007. New people fill our pews each Sunday, and we continue to find ways to serve God in this community and the world every day.