Concert planned to help mark church’s 140th year

COLERIDGE – Immanuel Lutheran Church is celebrating a significant milestone this year - its 140th year - and church members have been celebrating with events since April.

The next event is a performance by the musical group Prodigal Sons set for 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at the church. The group originating from Ponca will play country western hymns and other songs.

A food truck will also be part of Saturday evening events, serving 5-8 p.m.

The main anniversary celebration will be a special church service and meal set for Sunday, Sept. 15.

The church celebrated with a brunch and quilt show in April and an old-time church service in June.

“The anniversary celebration is an opportunity to thank God for all his provisions to us over these 140 years,” said Jacie Burbach who is organizing the anniversary activities along with Sheri and Kevin Krei, Julie Hefner and Joann Rathgeber.

Immanuel Lutheran traces its start back to 1884 when the Rev. A. Fleischmann, a traveling missionary, organized the first congregation consisting of eight families. They chose the name Immanuel which means “God with us.”

The first pastor, Rev. Charles Brandt, held church services in German at the Lawn Ridge school house on Sundays. Two years later, the congregation purchased a 10-acre tract for $200 and started to build on the land in 1891 including a church, parsonage and even some barns to store parishioners’ horses during inclement weather while at church services.

That building served the congregation well until 1926 when the decision was made to build a new church with more space in Coleridge. The building, still in use currently, was dedicated in February 1927.

The building served the church well for 20 years until it became evident that on quite a few Sundays, the building was filled to the doors with folding chairs having to be placed in the aisles to accommodate the worshippers.

In 1953, the decision was made to enlarge the church basement and superstructure. Some improvements this plan allowed for included: room for an additional 125 worshippers, seven classrooms, a large social room, a modern spacious kitchen, and washrooms and closets.

Improvements were made over the years and a significant addition occurred in 2002 when an elevator was installed and a narthex, church office, pastor’s study, new classroom and handicapped accessible bathroom facilities were built.

The church is currently led by transitional minister Marilyn Hasemann in Sunday morning worship. Church ministries include Sunday school, confirmation, Ladies Circle and Luther League. Most recently, a group was formed to help in outreach to shut-in members.