Immanuel Lutheran Church’s current building was erected in the late 1960s with an extra wing added several years later.
Immanuel Lutheran celebrates 100 years
Community members are invited to help Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Two special services are planned Sunday, June 23, at 400 N. Colorado Ave. A church service begins at 9 a.m. with guest Pastor Albert Quoss, followed by lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Haxtun Community Center. A celebration service begins at 2 p.m. with guest Pastor David Loeschke.
Immanuel Lutheran’s story began in August 1918 when A.C. Heldt and brothers Herman and Otto Schmidt arrived in Haxtun. A reverend encouraged them to stay in the area to get a mission started, but the flu epidemic delayed it because public gatherings were forbidden that fall and winter.
The congregation was organized May 4, 1919. John Meyer suggested Immanuel as the name because it means “God with us” and is a reminder of God’s continued presence and blessing. Other charter members were the Schmidts, Heldt, Ludwig Einspahr, Rudolph Steige, Max Reiche, Carl Hartman and William Matthes.
The first service was held in the Lodge Hall on main street with 42 in attendance.
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