1861 Civil war heralds hard financial times for the parish. 1863 Church building was nearly sold for lack of funds to pay the loan. Some money came from Milwaukee through Bishop Kemper to bail the parish out. Samuel Barstow's estate leaves money to build the chapel. Later called St. Mary's.
Parish establishes a vested boys' choir.
1880's Children's group at St. Matthias works to earn money for the purposes of buying a bell for the steeple. Bell installed and dedicated to Bishop Kemper in memory of his support through hard times. 1891 Next piece of property purchased east of building. 1908 Chapel redecorated and Guild Hall built under the church. Rectory purchased on Hartwell.