Immanuel Lutheran Church celebrates 120 years this Sunday

[June 30, 2012]  On Sunday, Immanuel Lutheran Church will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the congregation. The 9 a.m. worship service will recall readings and liturgies from the past as the church honors those whose foresight designed, planned and raised the funds needed for the current building on Pulaski Street, across from Lincoln Community High School.

Immanuel Lutheran Church was founded in the spring of 1892 and called the Rev. H. Meyer as pastor. Originally, services were in what was then known as the Tabernacle on Logan Street. A constitution was adopted on July 3, 1892, which resolved to build a church at the northeast corner of Pekin and Logan streets. The new church was dedicated on Feb. 5, 1893. In 1912 a balcony and new tower were built.

The Rev. Ehme Osferbur was installed in October 1956. Under his leadership the congregation continued to grow, necessitating more space for worship and parish education. Ground was broken for the current church on July 17, 1960, and the completed building was dedicated on June 25, 1961. The following year, construction of the new parsonage began. Most of the construction for both buildings was done with volunteer labor by members and friends of the congregation.

Immanuel called Pastor Andrew Nyren in October 2008. Pastor Nyren participates in the Lincoln Ministerial Association. He and his wife, Amy, are the parents of Ella and James.

The congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church cordially invites members of the community to worship and celebrate with them on Sunday at 9 a.m. There will be a brunch-lunch potluck following the service. Pictures of all confirmation classes and other artifacts will be available to view.

[Text from file received from Marilyn Weingarz, Immanuel Lutheran Church]