Doesn’t the name “Emmanuel” resonate with a sense of divine presence? Here at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, that feeling has been cultivated for decades. The history of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Detroit is rooted in community and faith. In September 1950, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Extension initiated Sunday school and worship services. They used the Coffey School in Detroit. Rev. Henry Aukee served as interim pastor.
In the fall of 1951, Pastor Melvin Hagelberg began his work as Mission Developer. Services moved to Emerson School in Detroit. A parsonage was purchased. The Northwest Mission was then organized. December 13, 1953, marked a significant milestone. Northwest Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized. It started with a charter membership of 295 adults. On the same day, Pastor Melvin Hagelberg was called as Emmanuel’s first pastor.
The congregation broke ground for a new church building in Southfield on July 10, 1956. The first worship service in the new church building was held on June 16, 1957. The dedication service occurred on October 17. In June 1958, Emmanuel hosted the National Suomi Synod Convention.
In 1962, Emmanuel joined the Lutheran Church in America. It also dropped “Northwest” from its name. February 7, 1965, saw Rev. Donald Muehlnickel called as Emmanuel’s second pastor. The parsonage in Detroit was sold. A new parsonage was built on Plum Hollow Street. A pipe organ, audio system, and new room dividers were purchased. These were all for the fellowship hall. The chancel was renovated and the parking lot was paved. The new parsonage was dedicated on May 21, 1967.
Pastor William Graf served as Vicar at Emmanuel in 1968. He developed a strong youth program. A new Wick pipe organ was dedicated on February 14, 1971. A major remodeling and renovation program was completed in 1973. Rev. L. Alden Erlandson was called to be Emmanuel’s third pastor on October 10, 1976. Emmanuel celebrated its Silver Anniversary in 1978.
Emmanuel began using a computer for church records in 1986. The church celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 1988. In 1989, Emmanuel became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rev. Roland Troike, Jr. was called as Emmanuel’s fourth pastor on July 14, 1991. Emmanuel entered the Stephen Ministry program in 1995. An elevator was dedicated in 1996.
During Pastor Troike’s sabbatical in the summer of 2000, an accessible bathroom was constructed. The Peace Garden was dedicated in 2002. New hand bells were dedicated on June 8, 2003. Emmanuel celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2003. Rev. John Freed served as supply pastor until the end of the year.
Rev. Michael Rothgery served as interim pastor from January 2004 to June 2005. Pastor David Maddox II was called as the 5th pastor on June 27, 2005. He was installed on July 17, 2005. The Moilanen families constructed a nursery/multi-purpose room in 2006. New Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnals began to be used in October 2007. The Community Garden was established in 2008. This was done in cooperation with the Southfield Garden Club.
Pastor David Maddox II left Emmanuel on April 18, 2010. Emmanuel began searching for a new pastor. Pastor Dellis W. Hudson began as Interim Pastor in June. The Kitchen floor was retiled in December. Christmas Caroling for the homebound resumed in December 2011. Pastor Stanley Eckermann began as Interim Pastor in March 2012. Vicar Jackie Rau started as Emmanuel’s full-time Pastor in August. Rev. Jackie Rau was ordained at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Livonia on September 23, 2012.
Emmanuel celebrated 60 years of service on November 24, 2013. They hosted an evening meal and concert. The folk group “At Average” performed. Monthly Lunch and Learn programs started in 2014. A land survey was ordered to prepare for the possible sale of the parsonage property. The parsonage property was offered for sale in 2015. The parsonage property was sold in 2016. The parking lot was resurfaced in 2017. Pastor Jackie Rau left in April 2018. Pastor Jill Heather served as transitional pastor in July 2018.
Emmanuel hosted Finn Fest USA in September 2019. They celebrated their Finnish beginnings. In March 2020, Emmanuel closed for in-person worship due to Covid-19. Virtual worship services began. In July 2021, Emmanuel resumed in-person worship after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
In February 2022, Karole Langset was called to serve as Pastor. She was ordained on February 26. In September 2023, Emmanuel celebrated its 70th anniversary. Emmanuel Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith. It has served the community for many years. Its rich history shows its commitment to worship and service.