1893
Emmanuel Church began with a Sunday School that was organized in the Welch Schoolhouse located at #216 Harding Road – the Sunday School started with only eight members
Our History
1893
Land was donated to the Sunday School Class for them to build a church -for $1 per day Mr. Joe McCaulley agreed to erect the church building, his total charge for labor was $260 – Mrs. Emma Carr Alcorn suggested the church be named “Emmanuel”
1894
The Church building was completed and a cornerstone was laid, containing a Bible and an 1894 dime
1927
The Church tower was struck by lightning and caught fire – the tower was eventually rebuilt
1935-36
The room under the Narthex was dug out and used as a kitchen – later the room was used to house organ pipes
1943
The altar, pulpit and lecture currently in use in our sanctuary were built by Emmanuel’s pastor, Rev. Ira W. Shindle -the stained glass memorial windows were installed
1956
The 11-acre parcel of Emmanuel land was purchased. The parsonage and our nature trail are currently located here.
1959
The “education building” was completed and is still in use today
1960
Emmanuel completed building a parsonage (used as the Vernon Brown Ministry Center today) and a student pastor, Rev. D. Homer Stewart, and his family moved into the parsonage the day after it was completed
1972
A seven rank M.P. Moller pipe organ was acquired and installed
1993
The congregation completed a new sanctuary, additional classroom space, a music room and a kitchen
1998
The parsonage was converted into church offices, Sunday School and meeting rooms called the Vernon Brown Ministry Center
2004
The Expansion Team was formed and took on the task of conducting a feasibility study to address growth issues, and to prepare Emmanuel UMC and its ministries for the future
2009
The Expansion Capital Campaign Team invited the congregation to participate in a visionary expansion and renovations of our building