They began their journey from the village of Langenholzhausen in May, 1847 and sailed on a little ship called the “Agnes von Bremen” to the “New World.”

Hardship, over-crowded boats and trains, disease and death itself hounded our settlers all the way. Yet, by their fiercely faithful trust in their abiding God, they established their community, and their church, the "Reformed Immanuel Congregation," a name revealed in minutes from December, 1853. The congregation was active in the founding of Mission House Theological Seminary in 1862, just a few hundred yards from the church. The seminary merged with Yankton Theological Seminary one hundred years later to form United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Minnesota.

With great joy, a church building, a symbol of faith, was erected in 1858 and used until 1912. The old church building was donated to Mission house (now Lakeland University) for use as a gymnasium.

In 1947, the Immanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church celebrated their centennial anniversary, preserving and continuing a tradition and history that continues to be our foundation. A significant part of their 100 years is recorded in a Centennial Anniversary Booklet, prepared especially for the occasion.

A special year was also observed in 1972, when the Immanuel congregation, now a United Church of Christ, celebrated 125 years of Christian service, worship, and fellowship.

The next benchmark year for Immanuel wasn't that long ago. The congregation turned 150 in 1997. The whole year was filled with special festivities including: a Confirmation Reunion, guest speakers (many of whom were former Pastors of Immanuel) and the making of a new history book. Immanuel continues in ministry and, with God's grace and strength, will do so for a long time to come

The year 2022 marked the 175th year since the founding of Immanuel.  Because the church was in a transition with regards to a settled pastor, a celebration was not held.  It is hoped, with God’s grace, that future Pastoral stability will enable the congregation to recognize and celebrate historical milestones.