John DeGroote bought 14 lots in the Oak Park addition of South Bend in 1921.

They taught religious education to the children who did not attend the parish school and performed other duties.

Joseph R. Crowley became pastor of St. Matthew in 1969 and on August 24, 1971, was named auxiliary bishop for the diocese.

After his ordination as bishop, he assumed the post of diocesan director of religious education, but two years later, returned to St. Matthew as pastor.

[3] Construction of St. Matthew School began on May 15, 1929, and Bishop John F. Noll dedicated the structure, which cost $167,000, on October 13, 1929.

[1] The number of brothers on the faculty increased which also grew to include a layperson, who taught biology and coached the athletic teams.

The parish added a new gymnasium in 1955 and significantly renovated the older building during the pastorate of Bishop Jenky.