Emmanuel Lutheran Church

This folder includes the congregational historical record, a warranty deed from 1902, a letter to Dr.Siefkes expressing thanks for participation in the dedication festivities, a brief history of the church, booklet from the dedication service, church directories, and a newspaper clipping from the dedication of the church.

Emmanuel Lutheran is the result of the merger of two congregations: First Lutheran Church and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Peter Carlson of First Lutheran met with families in Moscow on Christmas Day, 1883. In October of 1884 he was able to be with the now larger group for several Sundays in succession. OnOctober 12, 1884 he called a meeting to consider the step of organization. The congregation organized as the Swedish Evangelical Zion Congregation in Moscow, Idaho Territory, with thirteen charter members. Dedication of the church occurred February 16, 1890, and a new and larger structure was dedicated March 11, 1906. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church preliminary work for the founding of the congregation began in 1901. Six families organized the church with the help of Rev.Andreassen, minister in the Genesee Valley, who preached in Moscow every two weeks. The church was established as the Norwegian Lutheran Church, but after the First World War, the name was changed to Our Savior’s Lutheran. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated November 15, 1952. In January of 1961 First Lutheran and Our Savior’s Lutheran merged to become Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Moscow, affiliated with the American Lutheran Church.The merger agreement included the decision to build a new church as soon as plans could be prepared and adopted and funds made available. A gift of land was offered to the congregation by the Peterson family with the understanding that it be used as a building site for the new church. Pastors Harry Babington and Leonard Nelson guided the congregations through the merger negotiations and the formation of Emmanuel. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in May of 1967 and construction began in June. The first worship service in the new sanctuary took place on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968.
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