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IMMANUEL LUTHERAN HISTORY
When the founders of Immanuel Church got together in
early 1877 they selected this name as both a statement of faith and
a reminder of God's constant presence. The first Immanuel services
were held in February of 1877 and the church was formally organized
in May of that year. A church building was constructed and the church
and Christian Day School began using that building by October of 1877. About
10 years later a second church was constructed and the first building
was used for the school.
In 1900 a third church building was constructed. That
building was used by Immanuel until 1993 when the new Immanuel church
building on Church Street and Pearl City Road was completed. The old
church (615 S. Chicago) was sold to St. Martin Missionary Baptist Church
and is now being used by Philippians Missionary Baptist Church.
The new Immanuel Lutheran Church building (1993 W. Church
Street) was dedicated to the glory of God and for use for Christian
worship, fellowship, education and ministry on December 18, 1993. It
includes the spacious sanctuary, a large narthex (foyer), a balcony
on the upper level, a library, a family life office, a nursery room,
a youth room, offices for the pastors and church secretary, a Fellowship
Hall and a spacious church kitchen. A bell tower and entryway was
added in 1996 and a classroom addition to the school was dedicated
in 2000.
Construction of the new church was under the leadership
of Gerald Crouse (Building Chairman) and his twelve member building
committee, Ray Johnson (Construction Consultant), and Jim Miller, architect
of Abris Limited at Urbana, Illinois.
CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL
The Christian Day School, Immanuel Lutheran School,
has always been one of the key "missions" of the church. Lutheran
School classes actually predated the formation of the church. When
the church was organized the Christian Day School began classes in
the fall of 1877. In those days the instruction was in both the German
and English languages and one of the concerns was preservation of this
heritage as well as instruction in the Word of God.
With changes in the country the instruction in the German
language was eventually dropped, however, the instruction in the Word
of God and Prayer continues to this day. In recent years the congregation
has become more convinced of the value of the ministry of the Christian
Day School for all Christian families and welcomes and encourages parents
and students from many different Christian denominations. Currently,
nearly 200 are enrolled with openings in several grades.
At first, the church and school met in the same building.
Then a new church was built and the first building was remodeled. This
remodeled building continued to be used until 1923 when a new large
school building was constructed on South Chicago Avenue. At the time
it was a "state of the art" school with four large classrooms
and a gymnasium and even included a bowling alley, a movie projection
area, and a soda stand. The old school building (514 S. Chicago) was
sold in 1985 to the Freeport Area Church Cooperative and continues
to be used by this community organization.
In 1984 the congregation built the new and present school
building with five classrooms at 1964 West Pearl City Road. The original
building had five classrooms, a full-size gym, a cafeteria and kitchen,
spacious parking, and a playground on a 10 acre site. Over the years
the school went from double grades to individual classrooms for grades
1-8. Space concerns led the congregation to remodel several areas
and to conduct a fund raising campaign to add the six additional rooms
to meet the needs of the school. The “new wing” to the north includes
upper grade classrooms, a library, and a computer lab. The lower level
of this addition includes classrooms for pre-kindergarten, latch-key
and daycare, plus an office for the CCDC director, bathrooms, and storage.
CHURCH BUILDING
Architect Jim Miller designed the new Immanuel church
to both complement and contrast with the existing school building. The
congregation decided to construct a two-level building because of the
lay of the property and the need to construct a structure with as much
height as possible.
The brick chosen was slightly darker than the brick
of the school building. The insulcrete, a modern stucco substitute
on the exterior, is the same material used on the crosses in the windows
at the school. "Shangles," a three dimensional shingle was
chosen to give a richness to the roof. It was decided to include stone
on the south entryway as well as in the altar area for beauty, strength
and depth. Dozens of windows on each side of the church building on
both levels provide natural lighting and an "uninstitutional" feeling.
The cornerstone on the southeast corner of the new church
carries etchings of the three church buildings that Immanuel has used
over the years. It is filled with memorabilia of the history of the
congregation and the construction of the new church.
The north side of the building has three crosses to
recall the crosses of Calvary. They remind us that Jesus died on the
center cross in payment for our sins while the thief on one cross was
unrepentant and the thief on the other cross threw himself on the mercy
of Jesus Christ.
Landscaping around the church is part of a plan to provide
natural beauty to the new structure. Many of the items have been donated
as memorials and special gifts. The long range landscaping plan includes
additional plants as well as ideas for a small grove or flower garden
on the west side and also in the area between the church and school
buildings.
STAINED GLASS
One of the striking features of the new Immanuel church
is the stained glass. There are four triangle shaped stained glass
windows which draw our attention up to lofty thoughts of our Lord. During
the day they are observed from within the sanctuary with the beauty
of the sunlight. At night when light is focused on them from within
they make a dazzling statement to those observing in the area surrounding
the church building.
The windows were designed by City Glass Specialties
Company in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, under the guidance and direction of
Immanuel's Fine Arts Committee and its chairman, Dan Edler.
The primary design characteristic of all the windows
is, first and foremost, very high quality composition. The compositions
are abstract, concentrating on the elements of art. They use Christian
symbolism and reflect some of the shapes in the interior structure
of the church. One of the key principles of the designs is the expression
of movement.
North Window. The window above
the altar is the "God the Father" design and features the
caring, helping, loving, open hand of God. We think of His "hand" extended
to us from the firmament of heaven to the earth, bringing order and
shape to the universe. This is also the hand that created us in His "own
image."
In this window we see symbols for God's great and powerful
forces collecting together the stars and shaping the earth. The stars
and forces of His glory radiate in all directions. Sweeping dark lines
combine with rich color, producing a sense of movement.
Note that God's hand is an open hand, ready to give
and to guide. His hand is before us to remind us that He lives and
that His promises will not be broken. This is the truth that will
be with us for all eternity.
West Window. The window to the
west (to the left as you face the altar) is the "God the Holy
Spirit" design.
In this design the Spirit in the form of an abstract
dove trailing the flames is a symbol for the transfer of that Holy
Spirit down to us. When the sun is right, one is struck by the projection
of the window's colors across and through the sanctuary. It could
be taken as the Spirit casting its warmth and peace on the church and
on the people who worship here.
It incorporates symbols of fire extensively, playing
on the variations from wide to narrow. The fire is straight and curved,
directing through the window. The Spirit window is a strong dramatic
design to remind the worshiper of the strength and power of the Holy
Spirit. The composition also plays with color in its variations and
subtle changes to heighten eye appeal.
East Window. The window facing
the east (to the right as you face the altar) is the "God the
Son" window, also known as the "Lamb Window." It depicts
the risen Lamb of God portrayed as the victorious lamb--the risen Christ. His
victory banner with the red cross is over the shoulder and a cross
of the crucifixion is behind. The scene takes place within a surround
shape somewhat symbolizing the tomb.
Bursting out from his feet are the red rays of hope
for humankind. All of this is played out among a delightful gift of
color and sweeping lines similar to our other windows, keeping them
all within the same compositional feeling.
The Lamb of God window is a bit more realistic in its
approach to the subject. The red rays of hope give us an interesting
straight line shape in relation to the other curving lines. This is
a design feature that separates this window from the others.
There is an exceptionally good use of red's many variations. Perhaps
in this way it also reflects the agony of Christ's crucifixion.
South Window. The
south window (facing the school) depicts what is called the "Means
of Grace," the ways in which God blesses His church on earth. Once
again, the idea of movement is expressed in the "wave" that
is evident toward the bottom of this window. God's gifts of Word and
Sacraments are freely offered to us in a wave of blessings, not unlike
the waves of manna and quail that fed the children of Israel in the
wilderness after the Exodus.
Central in this design is the host and chalice. High
and to the left of center is the shell symbol with the blue waters
cascading down, washing clean in Baptism. Curving from right to left
across the bottom of the design is the Lamp of Knowledge. Thus, through
Baptism, Communion, and the study of God's Word do we receive this
grace.
These symbols are cast in a background of the Cosmos. Lines
of force and beautiful colors help create in the mind's eye the glory
which is His alone. These lines move the eye through the composition
and bring one to enjoy the beauty of this window's color and the profoundness
of its symbolism.
CHANCEL FURNISHINGS
Our sanctuary is in the shape of a cross with the focal
point on the altar. The furnishings in the sanctuary include the pews
built by Gunder and Company of Humboldt, Iowa. They are built of Red
Oak and the custom design of the pew ends correspond to the motif of
the chancel furniture designed by our architect.
The extensive use of white in our church on the walls,
vaulted ceilings, and lighting globes give a feeling of brightness,
joy, and life. The multi-colored carpet in the sanctuary and narthex
offers a rich feeling without being ostentatious. The "amethyst" colored
pew cushions and Communion kneelers complement the other colors in
the church. The lines of the altar area are reflected in the pews
and also in the custom designed narthex furnishings which were also
constructed by Gunder Company.
The chancel furniture was designed by the architect,
Jim Miller, and constructed by Tom Sorg of North Grove Woodworking
in Lanark. The bold free-standing altar in the center carries the
six different liturgical colors of the day, the color depending on
the season of the year. The cross behind and above the altar was designed
by Dan Edler and also constructed by Tom Sorg. A matching processional
cross was made in 2009 and presented as a memorial for a lifelong member. The
wood carving of the Last Supper, created by an Immanuel member in 1937,
is one of the items that was brought from the old church building.
The pulpit to the left as the viewer faces the altar
is a large and strong object which reminds the worshiper of the strength
of the Word of God.
To the left of the pulpit is the Baptismal "font." The
shape of the "font" (a word referring to the fountain of
water in Baptism) was designed by the architect. A Baptismal candle
near the font is lighted for all Baptisms with a keepsake smaller candle
presented to the Baptism family.
The metal parts were supplied by artist Lee Peck of
Sycamore. Lee's surface design on the lid and base is etched into
the bronze with electroplated nickel and copper. It carries an aquatic
theme with 13 fish, symbolic of the New Testament church, the 12 apostles,
and the thirteenth apostle, Paul, the one "untimely born." We
also think of the fish as a reminder of Christ's Baptism in the Jordan
among the fish.
It seems appropriate to use the fish symbol on the font
because the fish is a very ancient symbol of the Christian faith and
may predate the use of the Christian cross. The word fish in the Greek
language, "Ichthus," is an ancient acrostic confessional
which states, "Jesus Christ, God's Son, (is the) Savior." Also,
the fish theme reminds us of the words of Jesus to Peter and the disciples, "From
now on you will be fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)
To the right of the altar is the smaller "lectern," from
which the Scripture is read, announcements are made, and informal thoughts
and messages are presented.
The Communion rail circles the chancel area and as many
as 24 Communicants in "tables" of twelve can approach the
altar at once. Kneelers are provided to assist the worshiper in reverent
reception of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Other chancel furnishings include the candelabra, clergy
chairs, the national and church flags, the Processional cross, and
the kneeling bench or "prieu dieux" used for weddings, confirmations,
ordinations and consecrations.
Above and to the right of the lectern is the "eternal
light" which was also brought from the old church. A real flame
is used in this "light," a reminder of God's "real" and
constant presence and also a reminder of the lamp that did not go out
in the ancient tabernacle of the Jewish people in the Old Testament. Our
eternal light design carries the theme of the vine and branches, a
reminder of the words of Jesus, "I am the vine and you are the
branches; without me you can bear nothing." (John 15:5)
LAST SUPPER CARVING
One of the most striking pieces of art in the chancel
area is the carving of the Last Supper on the altar. It was carved
by Gus Schultz, an Immanuel member, in 1937 and a version of this carving
by this same man was on display at the Chicago World's Fair in 1939.
The carving is a reflection of the Last Supper picture
painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1494 and 1498. Many artists have
tried to capture this scene but Leonardo's is the most famous in modern
history. The church's annual Holy Week drama is a fitting recreation
of the scene depicted on the altar.
The carving depicts the dramatic moment when Jesus says
to His disciples the words, "One of you will betray me." (Matthew
26:21) In the carving Christ is the central figure and the disciples
sit in groups of three each. In their bewilderment, they have drawn
away from Him and Christ and sits alone.
On the left (from left to right) we see depicted NATHANAEL
(or Bartholomew) who had questioned, "Can anything good come from
Nazareth?" (John 1:46), JAMES THE LESS who is little known but
still a great servant, ANDREW who brought his brother Peter but who
here has upraised hands in surprise at Christ's question, SIMON PETER
who is leaning forward and touching John's shoulder and asking who
the traitor is, JUDAS ISCARIOT who is clutching the money bag that
held the betrayer's ransom, and JOHN, the disciple whom Jesus loved
whose gentle features here suggest total bewilderment at Jesus' question.
Continuing on the right side of Jesus (from left to
right) we see depicted JAMES, the brother of John who was hoping for
a place near Jesus, behind him, THOMAS who was known as the "doubter" and
whose raised finger seems to be asking, "Is it I?", PHILIP
who is bending over his companions with deep regret and the same question
on his mind, and MATTHEW, JUDAS THADDEUS, and SIMON THE ZEALOT who
almost seem to be in a three-way conversation about what is happening.
It is interesting that nearly all the hands point in
the direction of Christ, some with conviction and others with nervous
energy. Each disciple, including Judas, seems to be preaching a message
to us by their hands, their facial expressions, and their bodily reaction
to the statement, "One of you will betray me!"
NARTHEX FURNISHINGS
One of the concerns of Immanuel church in constructing
the large narthex or entryway was the need for a place for Christian
fellowship and encouragement.
The narthex also can be used for Bible studies, meetings,
fellowship times and other gatherings. A computer screen in the narthex
publicizes events and activities of the church and school.
Narthex furnishings include a registry stand, flower
stands, seating benches, and tables. They carry the same theme as
the furniture in the sanctuary and were designed by Immanuel's Fine
Arts Committee and custom made for Immanuel by Gunder Company of Humboldt,
Iowa.
From time to time the narthex furnishings are used in
the sanctuary itself.
ORGAN
As the plans for the new church were being made there
was much concern about Immanuel's organ, a 27 rank Reuter brand instrument
that had been used since before the Great Depression. The organ itself
had given the congregation little trouble over the years and was seldom
in need of repair. It was rebuilt in 1950 and was due for certain
work when the congregation was considering the new church.
As the congregation considered its needs and also the
changes in music and electronics it carefully studied the issue of
whether or not to include the old organ in the new building. The decision
was finally made to rebuild the organ and it was moved to the new sanctuary
where it was installed in the balcony. Since the organ is what is
called a "romantic organ" it was felt that some additional
ranks were necessary to help the church with its music in the new century.
Don Diestelmeier of Freeport Organ Company rebuilt and
upgraded the organ, beginning in 1994. He revised the stop layout
and added eight new ranks of pipes. The old two-manual console that
dated back to 1941 was replaced with a three-manual console. The organ
was first “officially” used on Easter in 1998 while work continued. Two
more ranks were added, bringing the total to 32 ranks, with 1,830 pipes.
The organ was rededicated to the glory of God on February
27, 2000 with a special concert and gathering.
LOWER LEVEL
As the visitor moves to the lower level of the new church
one is struck by the amount of space in many different areas. There
is a large fellowship room that can seat 150 or more for lunches, Bible
classes, and other events. The kitchen to the north end provides space
for fellowship lunches and meals. It was completed in January 1996.
On the east side are two offices--a large secretary's
office, an office for Vicar or DCE and a large office with a conference
table for the Senior Pastor. On the south end are washrooms, a nursery,
and a the Associate Pastor’s office (which was formerly the Family
Life Office). The library on the south end is also used for piano
and band lessons. On the west side of the building is the youth room
and classroom.
Regional furnaces and air conditioners provide heating
and cooling with the best technology available.
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