History

For a dollar and a quarter per acre, a courageous group of Immigrants from Lippe, Germany, purchased the land which was to be the fulfillment of an arduous and hazardous journey toward their dreams of a better life in American freedom and plenty.

Hardship, over-crowded boats and trains, disease, and death itself hounded our settlers all the way. Yet, by their fiercely faithful trust in their abiding God, they established their community, and their church, the "Reformed Immanuel Congregation," a name revealed in minutes from December, 1853.

With great joy, a church building, a symbol of faith, was erected in 1858 and was used until 1912. The old church building was donated to Mission house (now Lakeland College), for use as a gymnasium.

In 1947, the Immanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church celebrated their centennial anniversary, preserving and continuing a tradition and history that continues to be our foundation. A significant part of their 100 years is recorded in a Centennial Anniversary Booklet, prepared especially for the occasion.

A special year was also observed in 1972, when the Immanuel congregation, now a United Church of Christ, celebrated 125 years of Christian service, worship, and fellowship.

The next benchmark year for Immanuel wasn't that long ago. The congregation turned 150 in 1997. The whole year was filled with special festivities including: a Confirmation Reunion, guest speakers (many of whom were former Pastors of Immanuel) and the making of a new history book. Immanuel continues in ministry; with God's grace and strength, will do so for a long time to come.