The history of Emanuel Church has not been without periods of challenge. In 1937 the Evangelical Lutheran Synod merged with the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Pastor of Emanuel at that time could not accept the merger. He left Emanuel Church and a majority of the congregation went with him. The minority that remained were many of the same families that had originally founded Emanuel Church. There was a dispute about ownership of the church property between these two groups, and the matter wasn’t settled until a 1940 State Supreme Court decision ruled in favor of the founding families. The other group went on to form the Whitnall Park Lutheran Church, just a short distance away from Emanuel Church.

Thankfully, that kind of split did not occur in 1957 when the Evangelical and Reformed Church joined with The Congregational and Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ denomination. By the late 1950’s, the membership of Emanuel Church had outgrown the original building and plans were made for a new structure, which was dedicated in 1962. That building remains in use today, although there have been multiple renovations and an addition over the years. Today Emanuel enjoys a more energy efficient, handicapped accessible facility that is used by the church, by Parks Edge preschool, and by several community groups.

Mission outreach has always been a part of Emanuel’s history, and that legacy remains as part of today’s church as well. A generous gift from the Kurth family has allowed Emanuel to establish a fund that distributes grants to individuals and organizations in need within the communities that are served by Emanuel. In addition, volunteers from Emanuel assist with preparing and serving meals four times each year at The Guest House, shelter for homeless men; serving a mid-day meal six times each year at The Gathering, a meal program offered to all in need; active service in Southwest Interfaith by our members, providing rides to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, or other such needs for neighborhood seniors so that they can remain living in their own homes. Each year, our congregation provides financial support to programs such as Our Church’s Wider Mission, One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, The Christmas Fund, and local food pantries.

In 2012 Emanuel became an Open and Affirming congregation welcoming all persons regardless of sexual orientation, race, nationality, ability, age, marital status, economic status gender, and gender identity to fully participate in all aspects of our Church’s life and ministry. Emanuel Church feels called to provide “radical hospitality” to our neighbors. Our Stated Mission is to encourage faith in God as the focus of our lives, and to empower us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to: worship God joyfully; learn about God’s intentions for us; serve others with love.

After 125 years, we still have faith in our community … and descendants of Johannes and Louis Kerler remain as members of the congregation today.