“What a mighty fortress is our God!” Imagine those words echoing from a wagon. That wagon served as a pulpit for the Immanuel Lutheran Church congregation. It happened amidst the charred ruins of their previous church in 1871.
Immanuel Lutheran Church has a rich heritage. It all began in 1853. Swedish-speaking immigrants in Chicago needed a Lutheran church. Rev. Tuve N. Hasselquist responded to this need and founded Immanuel.
The first meetings were held in a Norwegian Lutheran Church. This church was on Superior Street. A year later, Immanuel purchased the building. In 1856, a parochial school was added. By 1868, Immanuel needed a larger building. They moved to Sedgwick and Hobbie.
The congregation faced many challenges. There was the 1854 Cholera Epidemic. The Panic of 1857 also brought difficulties. Then came the 1871 Chicago Fire. The fire destroyed the entire building. But schoolteacher A.P. Monten saved the church records. He loaded them into a pushcart. He fled to the west side of Chicago. Today, Immanuel treasures these records in a vault. This vault is in the present Elmdale building.
After the fire, the situation was dire. Most members were burned out. The insurance company went bankrupt. The church owed a large debt. Bankruptcy was suggested. Rev. Erland Carlsson refused. He declared that he would no longer be their pastor. He said they must trust in the Lord. He vowed to help them get a new church. He also promised to pay the debt.
The Immanuel people gathered at the ruins. They held a service. Rev. Carlsson’s wagon served as a pulpit. They sang “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” A new church building was constructed in 1872. Contributions came from far and wide.
By the turn of the century, many members moved to Edgewater. The area around Sedgwick and Hobbie changed. It became less Swedish-speaking. The people were not of Lutheran faith. In 1918, Immanuel merged with Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Bethel had started as a mission in Edgewater in 1907.
Maintaining two church buildings was too difficult. Immanuel purchased land on Elmdale and Greenview in 1920. In 1922, they deeded the Sedgwick property away.
The current Immanuel building on Elmdale was built in 1952. Adolph Hanson and Einor Olson designed it. It is a modified Gothic style. It features red brick and Indiana limestone trim.
Inside, the sanctuary is full of artistic symbolism. A 32-foot red granite cross stands at the altar. Behind it, an elaborate stained glass window reads: “HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVER-LASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.”
Over 25 stained glass windows fill the building. They depict scriptures and Immanuel’s history. The 46-rank Schantz pipe organ is also special. It sits in the rear balcony. It was installed in 1977. Its 2,633 pipes frame a carved rose-shaped window. This window features musical figures in stained glass.
Immanuel has formed many Lutheran organizations. It provided facilities for others. These include the Augustana Book Concern. Also the Augustana Hospital and Augustana College. Eight other Lutheran churches also benefited.
Mrs. Emmy Evald was notable in mission work. She was the wife of Rev. Dr. Carl A. Evald. She accomplished much in Lutheran women’s organizations. She also worked for women’s rights and charities. The King of Sweden awarded her a medal in 1921.
Immanuel has welcomed unique visitors. Princesses Birgitta and Desiree of Sweden visited in 1960. Prince Bertil of Sweden came in 1965. Two Bishops of Uppsala and Primates of the Church of Sweden spoke here.
Today, Immanuel is not just a Swedish church. It offers many activities. There is Bible study and tutoring programs. Al-Anon and Scouts also meet here. They have a Moms & Tots program and choirs. A food pantry supports “Care for Real.”
Immanuel continues its mission. It looks back on a rich history. It looks forward to serving the community for years to come.