Deacon John W. Bowman, minister in charge, and five communicants met in July of 1853 to organize the first Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Illinois. The congregation met in various rented quarters for twelve years until it purchased the Congregationalist’s Church in downtown Bloomington in 1865. Soon thereafter, an organ and a rectory were purchased and the church began to grow.
During the late 1870’s the communicant list grew to 376 and a larger building was needed. St. Matthew’s bought land and built a church in the downtown area. A series of rectors oversaw the growth of the church and a spiritual revival. This church building provided a wonderful home for the congregation until the early 1950’s.
The Reverend F. H. O. Bowman served St. Matthew’s as Rector from April, 1945 until his death in December, 1967. It was his untiring work and devotion that led to a period of growth and development. Although the parish felt a need for a new church building as early as 1942, World War II and post-war reconstruction slowed these efforts. After a significant capital campaign and many years of hard work the present building at 1920 East Oakland Avenue was completed in 1955. The first service was held on October 2, 1955 and a dedication occurred two weeks later.
Needless to say, the new location combined with an enthusiastic congregation allowed many ministries to flourish. Members of St. Matthew’s along with the Department of Mission Strategy of the Diocese of Springfield decided to establish a mission in Normal to support the church’s ministry to the universities. About 60 members of St. Matthew’s volunteered to become the congregation of the new Christ the King Church, which still exists in Normal.
Most of the priests following Fr. Bowman brought both dependability and longevity to their pastorates. The previous two priests, Fr. Howard Bowlin and Fr. Dave Halt brought pastoral stability and substance to their cures, both staying 10 years respectively. Our current priest, Father Thomas Reeves, began his ministry with us in August 2021.
In July 2023, our church celebrates its 170th year as an established parish. As we look towards the future, we hope to build on the faithful ministry and Kingdom of God work that has been accomplished in our past for the Glory of God. That said, we look afresh to our future in 2023 and beyond as we seek to reach out to the Bloomington-Normal, IL area with the lived and proclaimed Gospel of Jesus Christ.