Immanuel Lutheran Church (Seattle, Wash.)

On February 24, 1890, a group of 33 Norwegian immigrants and pioneers organized Immanuel Lutheran. The first church, located at Minor and Olive, was dedicated November 20, 1892. When Dr. and Mrs. H. A. Stub came in August of 1903, they began one of the longest pastorates in the history of the Pacific Northwest – 54 years. During those years, Immanuel became one of the largest congregations in the west. Attendance increased, and in 1907 a new church was built on Pontius and Thomas. It was dedicated June 30, 1912 with Dr. H. G. Stub, father of the pastor and president of the NLCA, as the dedicator. It was dedicated before the largest assembly of Lutherans ever gathered in Puget Sound up until that time. A pipe organ was installed in 1915 to which Andrew Carnegie contributed $1000. A Gymnasium was added later, as well as a parsonage and Sunday School facilities. The church was again remodeled and expanded in 1932. In the past two decades, the role of the big-downtown church has changed considerably. Membership decreased and changed at Immanuel. Under Nyer Urness and others the program has changed to aid inter-city people. The church has converted its facilities to include a shelter program which houses people and provides meals for up to 50 persons each day. A food bank has been established and a center set up for an emergency feeding program.