Immanuel Presbyterian Church

Gazing at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, one might sense a quiet strength. Immanuel Presbyterian Church stands at the corner of Route 123 and Savile Lane, just east of the CIA. The church’s story began in the early 1960s during McLean’s church-building boom. The Presbytery of D.C. commissioned Immanuel Presbyterian to alleviate overcrowding at the historic Lewinsville Presbyterian Church. Initially, services were held at Franklin Sherman School. In November 1960, the church acquired a six-acre property. This property included a brick house built in 1942. The congregation first met in the basement of this house. The basement was prone to flooding. Members were often asked to arrive early on Sundays to help bail out water if it had rained the day before. Formally organized on October 8, 1961, Immanuel Presbyterian Church celebrates a rich history. The original white brick house still stands. The old sanctuary, added in 1961, is also still there. This sanctuary held up to 88 people on folding chairs and housed a portable pipe organ. A new sanctuary, built in 1980, incorporated the old pulpit. The cross hanging in the new sanctuary was purchased by nearly the entire congregation. Each individual contributed only $5. This symbolized collective ownership. The new sanctuary received a national design award from the American Institute of Architects in 1983. Immanuel Presbyterian Church is known for its service and outreach. One remarkable project was the “I Have a Dream” program in 1990. The church raised $350,000 to mentor sixth-graders from Anacostia, a low-income neighborhood in Washington, D.C.. The program provided tutoring and college tuition assistance to 66 students. From this group, 18 students ultimately graduated from college. Immanuel Presbyterian Church has continued its outreach efforts, supporting programs both locally and internationally. It partners with other churches and organizations on initiatives such as affordable assisted living and aid for the mentally challenged. The church’s international efforts extend to Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, and Africa. Immanuel Presbyterian has also adopted a refugee family from Iran. The church’s name, “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” reflects its spirit of compassion and service.