Deep in the heart of Woodhaven stands Emanuel United Church of Christ. Its story began with German immigrants seeking a spiritual home. It’s a tale of perseverance faith and community.
Emanuel United Church of Christ started as a mission. St. Paul’s Reformed Church wanted to reach German immigrants. These immigrants were moving from Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens.
In 1877 the society first met. The meeting took place in a storefront on Delmonico Place in Brooklyn. They quickly planned to build a church. The church was first named Emanuel German Reformed Church. They bought a vacant church on Graham Street in East New York. Soon a school for German students was established.
By 1902 the Emanuel congregation thrived. They celebrated their 25th anniversary. Over 500 members belonged to the church. Over 400 students attended their two schools. One school taught in German and the other in English.
In 1909 another mission began. This one was in a storefront in Richmond Hill. They purchased land at Woodhaven Boulevard and 89th Avenue. Due to money problems they built a portable church.
The Great War affected the church. From 1914 to 1918 German-language societies struggled. Many members were conflicted about the fighting in Europe. Congregations began to shrink.
In 1922 Emanuel and the Queens congregation merged. They combined their money to build a new church. The church building was finished in 1924. It cost over $100000. The congregation struggled with the debt. Then Frederick Wallmann a parishioner died. He left the church $43000 in his will.
In 1938 New York City decided to widen Woodhaven Boulevard. This meant the church had to be torn down.
The city paid the congregation for the building. They bought land at 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard. There they built the Gothic church we see today. It was completed in 1939.
In 1972 the church joined the United Church of Christ denomination. It became known as Emanuel United Church of Christ. In 2012 they started sharing their building. Grace Baptist Church moved in from Richmond Hill.
Emanuel United Church of Christ has a rich history with its organs. In 1923 the W.W. Kimball Co. of Chicago built an organ. It was installed in the previous church building. When the new church was built in 1939 the organ was moved.
In 1951 some changes were made. Three stops were added to the organ. At some point a Schulmerich electronic carillon was added. In 2009 the organ was restored.
Emanuel United Church of Christ stands as a beacon. It shows the strength of faith and community. From its humble start in a storefront to its current Gothic building the church has adapted. It continues to serve its community. It welcomes all who pass through its doors. The story of Emanuel United Church of Christ is still unfolding.