IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEDICATED TO A NEW BEGINNING IN CHRIST JESUS

HISTORY OF IMMANUEL

Local Missouri Synod Lutherans worshiped at St. Paul's, on Clark's Creek east of town, established in 1861, until May 3, 1926, when the congregation at St. Paul's assisted in the establishment of Immanuel Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Junction City, Kansas. During the first year, services were held in a frame building at 10th and Jackson Streets. In 1927 the congregation moved to another frame building at 7th and Madison Streets. Despite the difficulties of World War II, a new native stone building was dedicated at that site in 1942. Our school was dedicated July 18, 1954, at 700 W. 7th Street. In 1957 God's blessings and increased attendance permitted us to enlarge the school building and increase the teaching staff. As part of our 50th Anniversary in 1976, we installed and dedicated a new pipe organ. Later when a new church and school building was built, the organ was moved to the new building at 630 S. Eisenhower Street. The new building was dedicated to God's glory on the first Sunday of Advent, November 29,1987. In May 2000, grades 1 through 6 were deleted. The congregational Mission endeavor was then directed to the Early Childhood Center. On July 30, 2000, Richard Marrs was inducted as Vicar. On May 6,2001, the 75th Anniversary was celebrated. Pastor Greg Cynova gave the morning message and Dr. Oswald Hoffman, of Lutheran Hour fame, gave and afternoon sermon. A noon meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

On Aug. 21, 2001, Richard Marrs was ordained as Pastor. Gale Cynova was commissioned as a Deacon in 2002, and Curtis Heidel was commissioned as Deacon in 2003. On July 24, 2005, Vicar Matt Christensen was inducted for a one year dual vicarage with St. John's Church of Alma,KS. In October 2005 the congregation purchased a 1987 Ford 12-passenger van for member groups to use.

In the Spring of 2006, The congregation voted to change the Early Childhood Center to a year-round program. The organ pipes were rearranged and the organ rededicated. Two big-screen televisions were purchased and installed in the front of the church.

On July 30, 2006, Vicar Patrick Niles was installed in a dual vicarage with St. John's Church of Alma, KS. Also on that day, Pastor Rick Marrs was granted a peaceful release from the Call to be our Minister. He was Called to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, to be a Professor for the new Seminarians.

On April 25, 2007, Matthew Christensen, graduate seminarian, was given, and accepted, a Call to be our new Pastor. On June 10, 2007, Matthew Christensen was ordained and installed as our new Pastor. Rev. Robert Grimm of Alma, KS, conducted the special service, Rev. Troy Slater of Herington, KS, served as liturgist, and Vicar Patrick Niles was lector. Other area clergy participating in the service were Rev. Terry De Giovanni of Duluth, Rev. Justin Panzer of Abilene, and Vicar Ron Rather of McFarland.