History of Immanuel

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, with a membership of approximately 300 people, worships at 1403 – 9th Avenue SE in Jamestown, North Dakota.

In 1920, a minority of Swedish people in Jamestown felt the need to Worship in their own language. Hence, a Swedish Lutheran congregation was formally organized on September 14, 1920, at the home of Carl Lindberg. A week later, Pastor J.A. Johansson arrived in Jamestown to serve as pastor of the church, which he named Immanuel meaning “God with us.” Services were held in Scandia Hall and in homes until a basement church was constructed at Sixth and Third Street Southeast in 1921.

However, the Ladies Aid preceded the church in becoming organized. They held their first meeting in July of 1919, and it was through their efforts that the congregation came into being.

The upper level of the church was constructed in 1927. By this time, the other auxiliary organizations of Immanuel were established and active. In the 1960’s, the need for a larger church became a necessity and Immanuel relocated to 1403 9th Ave. S.E. with the dedication of the new church on July 30, 1967.

In the 1990’s, the need for a Fellowship Hall and additional Sunday School rooms became a necessity, and on July 21, 1996, groundbreaking began. On Sunday, February 2, 1997, the new addition was dedicated. This addition has been a wonderful addition to Immanuel. Many, many large functions are being held in this new room and the community has benefited as well.

Immanuel has been known for its friendliness, good food and the work of dedicated people on various committees and fellowship groups. Currently many members participate in the fellowship groups, which include WELCA, Circles, and Men in Mission as well as serve on one of the following committees: Finance, Learning, Global Mission, Outreach, Property, Stewardship, Worship and Youth.

Immanuel’s outreach includes the senior citizens in the nearby Gardenette Housing complex, a monthly mission emphasis which supports both domestic and overseas church endeavors, contributions to the World Hunger Appeal and a regular benevolence to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

As we seek to grow in God’s grace and love, we trust that God is indeed “Immanuel”… “God with us”…in our worship, in our learning, in our fellowship and in our service. Therefore, may we remember the past, live in the present, and look with hope to the future.

The following pastors have served Immanuel:

Rev. Rueben G. Berg 1938-40
Rev. G. W. Sanstead 1941-46
Rev. A. M. Swanson 1946-52
Rev. Allen C. Nelson 1953-56
Rev. Carrol W. Anderson 1956-60
Rev. Kenneth Manfolk 1961-67
Rev. Robert C. Elliot 1967-70
Rev. Donald Knudson 1970-76
Rev. Stephen Hogberg 1976-83
Rev. Ronald E. Bock 1984-90
Rev. Mark Strobel 1990-94
Rev. JoAnne Moeller 1994-2005