“God with us.” That’s the meaning of Emmanuel. It is a fitting name for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.
Emmanuel Presbyterian Church has a unique story. Its roots stretch back to 1963. It began as the First Presbyterian Church of Euless. Eighty-six members formed the congregation. Rev. David Englehardt led them. For over a year, they gathered in a condemned school auditorium.
In 1964, they moved to a new building on Simmons Drive. The plan included a sanctuary and other facilities. However, only the Fellowship Hall was built there.
The 1970s brought rapid growth to the mid-cities area. The church’s location became a problem. Airport Freeway and DFW Airport opened. Growth shifted north. In 1974, the property was sold to Euless for a park. The church secured land on Harwood Road in Bedford.
From 1974 to 1976, worship services were held in a former bank. This was near the Wilshire area of Euless. The junior high class even met in the bank vault. Imagine Sunday school in a bank vault.
Lois Sieverling suggested the name Emmanuel. The congregation chose it. The steeple from the Euless church was moved. It stands outside the front doors. This steeple connects the old and the new.
The first service in the new building was held in August 1976. About forty people attended. The congregation grew steadily. An addition was dedicated in 1982. This included SoRelle Hall, classrooms, the pastor’s office, and a kitchen. By 1985, there were 351 active members. A Christian Education building was added in 1989.
Emmanuel continued to grow in the 1990s. By 1995, there were 474 active members. Volunteers began working with Trinity Habitat for Humanity. This effort continues today. Emmanuel has helped build one house each year since 1995. In 1999 and 2000, the church fully funded and built houses.
A rift in the congregation caused membership loss in the late 1990s. By 2005, only 243 members remained.
The sanctuary was renovated in 2004-2005. It included a larger table area, new carpet, chairs, a sound system, and an organ. Emmanuel is an Earth Care Congregation. It has been certified by the PCUSA since 2011.
In 2013, the 6:8 Project began in Ft. Worth. Its mission is to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.” Emmanuel sponsors a summer lunch program. It also offers enrichment activities for neighborhood kids. They conduct neighborhood cleanups twice a year. They work with partners on neighborhood revitalization on MLK Day. There is also a scholarship fund for college or trade school students.
As of 2020, Emmanuel has 94 active members. The church has shown resilience and dedication. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is a testament to faith and community. From its humble beginnings to its current ministries, Emmanuel embodies its name.