The Ladies’ Aid had been organized in 1891, two years before the church began. Ironically, despite the women’s hard work and involvement in the church, they had no voice at the congregation’s meetings. This finally changed in 1915, when women were invited to attend the congregation’s business meetings and permitted to vote.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church met and organized in the home of Rev. Gunner Graven. The new congregation had a charter membership of 14 people and was affiliated with the Hauge Synod. The congregation’s faith in God and vision for the future inspired them to erect a church at the cost of $1,719.20.

They dedicated Emmanuel Lutheran Church, a name chosen because it means “God with us.” In its early years, Emmanuel faced many challenges, including initiating and maintaining Sunday School classes. Having the lessons entirely in the Norwegian language made it difficult for more “Americanized” church members, so English was added. Another challenge was finding pastors to serve the parish, which also included at different times: Bethesda Children’s Home, Romsdal Lutheran, and Skrefsrud Lutheran churches.

The original church building was expanded in 1907 and 1910. The congregation dug the basement by hand at a cost of $1.50 per day. The new space provided room for both a kitchen and a dining room.

The first parsonage was purchased on West Cedar Street.

Emmanuel Lutheran changes affiliation to become a congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America due to the merger of the Hauge Synod, the Synodenskirke and Forenede Kirke. In 1946, the congregation upheld the proposed change of the name to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Today, Emmanuel is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The congregation proposed a new building, as their baptized membership now totaled 225 members. In 1945, a building site was selected on Main Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets.

The Ladies’ Aid purchased the land adjacent to the church property for a parsonage and parish house. Later in 1946, ground was broken for the new church.

The cornerstone of Emmanuel Lutheran Church was laid, and baptized membership totaled 376 members.

Emmanuel celebrated its 60th anniversary.

The pipe organ was purchased, rebuilt, installed and dedicated. In 1964, additional pipes were added for a total of 13 ranks for the organ.

Stained glass windows were installed.

The mortgage of the new church building was retired.

On July 17, 1966, Emmanuel Lutheran broke ground for the new Parish Education Unit which included 17 classrooms, church offices and a library.

Emmanuel celebrated its 75th anniversary with 733 baptized members, 504 confirmed members, and 241 children enrolled in Sunday School.

Nazareth Lutheran Church of Beresford closed and merged with Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The church parsonage beside Nazareth Lutheran at 205 W. Spruce St. was purchased then and later sold in 1995.

The mortgage for the Emmanuel Parish Education Unit was burned on January 24, 1978.

Two lots north of the church were purchased and the houses were removed to become the Emmanuel Lutheran parking lot.

Contemporary Worship services began twice a month.

The lower narthex structure was added to accommodate street level access. An elevator was added with stops at the basement fellowship hall level, the narthex level, the sanctuary level and the balcony level.

Bell Choir began because three octaves of bells and chimes were given to Emmanuel.

Emmanuel began its Parish Health ministry. This came to an end in 2023 or 2024.

The old church parsonage at 311 W. Main St. was sold and moved. The Emmanuel Praise Team began leading worship services on the third Sunday of each month.

Unlimited Audio upgraded the sound system as a wonderful addition to the worship services. Later, a new CD player and docking station were added.

Emmanuel purchased a 6’1” Yamaha grand piano with donations for the approximate price of $28,000.

The beautiful new parsonage was completed, dedicated and occupied.

The church began a $100,000 capital campaign entitled, “Forward in Faith, Securing Our Future.” The congregation used the funds for retiring the $12,000 narthex debt, providing a new roof and new basement windows, replastering the bell tower, and redoing the Parish Education Unit flooring.

Emmanuel celebrated its 125th anniversary with a fun run/walk, a festival of worship with former pastors and staff in attendance along with special music, a catered meal, and a video/picture historical display set up by WELCA.

Emmanuel began using Facebook Live to stream worship services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Live streaming of worship has continued to reach our members of the congregation and the extended community.

Emmanuel created a website that continues to be updated to meet the growing needs of the congregation.