Imagine Slovak settlers arriving in Minneapolis in 1880. These faithful people sought community and worship. This is the story of Holy Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.
These Slovaks settled near the Mississippi River. The area was known as “the Flats” under the Washington Avenue Bridge. Families initially worshipped in their homes. But they desired public services as their numbers grew.
A German Lutheran pastor helped them. Reverend Friedrich Sieverson offered his church for Sunday mornings. He understood their need for a Slovak-speaking leader.
In 1887, Sieverson met Reverend Karol Hauser. Hauser was a Slovak missionary in Montgomery, Minnesota. Sieverson convinced Hauser to visit Minneapolis. He wanted him to serve communion to the Slovak community.
On April 5, 1888, Hauser led a divine service. It went well. After the service, they formed an official congregation. That day, they established the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Emmanuel. Hauser agreed to conduct Slovak services monthly.
Formally organized on August 2, 1888, the church had 36 charter members. They initially shared space with the German Lutheran church. But they soon sought their own building.
The congregation purchased a building from the Swedish Lutheran Church. This building was on Cooper Street. Hauser became the first pastor. He preached his first sermon in Advent 1888. The new church was dedicated in the spring of 1889.
Hauser recounted seeking help from mill and streetcar employers. He received $600 to $700 to build the church. These executives were pleased that the people in the Flats would receive spiritual care.
During Hauser’s time, he founded a parochial school. In 1893, he accepted a call to Pennsylvania. Reverend D.Z. Laucek succeeded him briefly.
In 1895, Reverend J.S. Micatek became the pastor. During his tenure, the church flourished. Many immigrants arrived from Slovakia. The Cooper Street church became too small. Plans were made for a larger church on higher ground. The Flats often flooded.
In 1906, a Relocation Committee formed. They bought lots but couldn’t build due to the University of Minnesota’s expansion. They then purchased land at Ontario and Essex streets.
By this time, the congregation numbered over 1,300. It had served more members of the Flats community than any other church.
Construction of the new church began on April 15, 1908. A Cornerstone Laying Service was held on May 24, 1908. The dedication occurred on November 4, 1908. The total cost was $25,617. An organ was later purchased for $825.
In 1966, property was purchased in East Bloomington. In 1969, construction began on a new church building in Bloomington. The new church was dedicated on October 26, 1969.
The church installed beautiful stained-glass windows. These windows depict the Life and Mission of Christ.
The last Slovak service was held on August 21, 1994. Holy Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church continues to serve as a vibrant Christian community. It welcomes all to engage in faith, hope, and love.