Area church celebrating 150-year anniversary Sunday October 6

Immanuel Lutheran Church of Freedom Township was founded in 1874, and has been celebrating its 150th year with special services held quarterly since last October. The final observance is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the church, located about eight miles south of Janesville along County Highway 3. All who would like to attend are welcome.

 

The guest pastor at the upcoming service will be Rev. Dr. Lucas V. Woodford, president of the Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

 

According to church history, the congregation has been meeting in the same building since 1874: The structure is much changed, however, having nearly doubled in size thanks to additions built over time, including the 1949 project of raising the building and constructing a basement, which serves as the church social hall, underneath.

 

The church operated its own parochial school from 1884 to 1945, gradually growing from simply having the pastor teach classes in the church building to constructing its own school and hiring a teacher.

 

Immanuel is now part of a four-church parish. Rev. Larry Sipe serves Immanuel, along with three additional area Missouri Synod churches: First Lutheran Church in Waldorf, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Danville Township, and Trinity Lutheran Church of Wilton.