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Immanuel Lutheran Church
Washington, Iowa

The heritage of Immanuel Lutheran Church may be traced to former members of Immanuel Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), who started the congregation and built the first church building.   They were later joined by former members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) and St. Paul's Evangelical Church (Evangelical and Reformed).   Thus, our church family is much like many American families - a rich mixture of traditions.

Milestones in Immanuel's History

Aug.   1960 Formation of Immanuel Lutheran Church as a congregation affiliated with The American Lutheran Church. The Rev. Marvin Mueller of Hope Lutheran Church near Brighton is called to serve on a part-time basis.
Sept.   1960 First worship service conducted in the Farm Bureau Building, corner of East Jefferson Street and South Second Avenue.
July   1961 The Rev. Dennis A. Stutrud is called to be Mission Developer and pastor of the congregation.
Oct.   1961 Pastor Stutrud is installed and groundbreaking services are conducted for a new church building at East Washington Street and South 13th Avenue
Oct.   1961 First Baptism - Jene Paul Yoder, son of Gene and Marilyn Yoder
June   1962 Service of Dedication for new church building
Aug.   1962 First wedding - Lois Boettcher and Louis Pronga
Apr.   1963 First funeral - Mrs. Ellen Lenmark
June   1963 First confirmation class - Starr Gallagher, Viola Helfrich, Cynthia Krantz, Ronald McAvoy, Samuel Shepherd, Daniel Simmering, Janice Thies.
Feb.   1967 The Rev. Einar A. Fetterman is installed as pastor.
June   1969 Congregation votes to purchase land and home to use as Sunday School Annex.
Dec.   1973 The Rev Wayne Wilkin serves as interim pastor.
Jan.   1975 The Rev. Ernest M. Caltvedt is installed as pastor.
Nov.   1978 Congregation votes to build a large addition to its present facility and to sell the parsonage to Pastor Caltvedt.
Sept.   1979 Dedication Service for the new education addition
May   1984 The Rev. James K. Jensen is installed as pastor.
Nov.   1985 Congregation celebrates 25th anniversary.
Summer '86 A new roof is installed on original building
Jan.   1988 Congregation becomes part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Aug.   1988 Old Fellowship Hall is divided into six Sunday School classrooms.
Jul.   1994 The Rev. Brian Gentz is installed as pastor.
Nov.   1996 Congregation votes to build a new sanctuary and remodel the education & office areas.
Jan.   1998 Dedication of newly built sanctuary and remodeled areas.

"Unless the LORD builds the house,  those who build it labor in vain."       Psalm 127:1 (NRSV)