Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Moscow, Idaho)

Emmanuel Lutheran is the result of the merger of two congregations: First Lutheran Church and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran Church Peter Carlson first met with families in Moscow on Christmas Day, 1883. In October of 1884 he was able to be with the now larger group for several Sundays in succession. On October 12, 1884 he called a meeting to consider the step of organization. The congregation organized as the Swedish Evangelical Zion Congregation in Moscow, Idaho Territory, with thirteen charter members. Dedication of the church occurred February 16, 1890, and a new and larger structure was dedicated March 11, 1906.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Preliminary work for the founding of this congregation began in 1901, and actual preparations began in 1902. Six families organized the church with the help of Rev. Andreassen, minister in the Genesee Valley, who preached in Moscow every two weeks. The founding group purchased the lot on which the present Methodist church is built and planned to construct a church there. The Methodists wanted the lot, so the two groups traded. This gave the Lutherans the lot and church used by the Methodists, 223 E. sixth street. The church was established as the Norwegian Lutheran Church, but after the First World War, the name was changed to Our Savior’s Lutheran. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated November 15 – 16, 1952.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church In January of 1961 First Lutheran and Our Savior’s Lutheran merged to become Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Moscow, being affiliated with the American Lutheran Church. The merger agreement included the decision to build a new church as soon as plans could be prepared and adopted and funds made available. A gift of land was offered to the congregation by the Peterson family with the understanding that it be used as a building site for the new church. Pastors Harry Babington and Leonard Nelson guided the congregations through the merger negotiations and the formation of Emmanuel. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in May of 1967 and construction began in June. The first worship service in the new sanctuary took place on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968