Church Graveyard to Tell its Stories in Hawthorn Woods

The , along with in Hawthorn Woods, will host a cemetery walk at the church, Saturday, Aug. 4. Tours are at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

The walk will bring back memories from the past about the families that started the church and made the Ela area grow. 

St. Matthew's is the oldest church in Lake Zurich area; its cornerstone was laid in 1863. The church was founded by the many German settlers who came to the area.

In 1864, the congregation voted that each member receive a free lot in the cemetery. Non-members could buy a lot for $5. In 1885, members discussed whether a suicide could be buried in the cemetery. They decided to bury the person outside the cemetery fence. As the cemetery expanded over the years, the grave became part of the cemetery. 

Today, grave sites are more than $1000.

For tickets or more information call 847-438-2086.