History at Immanuel

History

Beginnings

        Plainview's first German Lutheran settlers began meeting in their homes as early as 1870, using the Lutheran Hymnal and the printed sermons of C. F. W. Walther as worship guides. In 1873, the Rev. August Sippels, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Potsdam, MN, served the small group on a part-time basis.
        In the fall of 1875, the German Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel Congregation of the Augsburg Confession was formed, pledging faithfulness to the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments and the Lutheran Confessions.
        Until 1876, this new congregation was led by Pastor Sippels, thereafter until 1886, by Pastor M. Stuelpnagel, and from 1886, by Pastor P.G. A. Schaaf, all from Potsdam.
        In 1887, discussion on building a church began. It was April of 1890 when land was purchased, and in May, bids were considered for the building of the church. The winning bid for the building was $1649.
        With education being a strong concern for Immanuel's members, a small school building was constructed behind the church building in 1891. This building was used for confirmation instruction, Bible classes and a summer Bible school for both children and adults. That same year, the Rev. G. Drews accepted the congregation's first call for a full-time pastor. The pastor's annual salary was $350, with a free home and firewood, plus 50 cents per child in school.
        Immanuel received its first 25 confirmands into membership in 1892.

Giant Steps / Building for the Future

        By 1910, the annual budget exceeded $1000 and the coming years brought continued growth and prosperity. With an eye to the future, in 1913, Pastor Drews addressed the congregation on the subject of a new church building. That same year, pledges were gathered for the building of the new church. Immanuel also voted to become a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).
         In January of 1915, with pledges of $9,600, the congregation proceeded with the building of the new church. The building was completed at a cost of about $28,000 and dedicated in March of 1916.
        In September 1922, after calling a full-time teacher, a parochial school was opened. Classes were held in the church basement.
        The first steps toward an English service began in January of 1919 with the purchase of 200 English hymn books and the offering of a monthly English evening service. Immanuel's confirmation class of 1920 was the last class to be taught in German. By October 1922, English services were offered, along with German services, on two Sundays of each month, increasing to every Sunday by 1929. The call to Rev. Rodney Riese in 1955 finally specified that services be offered solely in English. Services were increased to two per Sunday.
        In the years following the Great Depression, the parochial school was in danger of collapse. However, after successful pleas for support and encouragement from the pastor and elders, members gained confidence that the school would prosper and endure.