Emanuel Lutheran Church (Ritzville, Wash.)

This congregation has its roots almost a century ago when Rev. Rieke, an itinerant clergyman, began preaching at Ritzville in 1887. Ritzville was linked up with the Lind and Sprague congregations and they called the first official pastor, the Rev. W. Kropp, in 1891. The first church, a converted school house, was obtained in 1892. A new church was dedicated on September 27, 1914 and English services were introduced the following year. In 1955, the present church was dedicated. German services were conducted until 1965. In 1974 Emanuel entered into a shared ministry program with St. John of Sprague. The associate pastor at Ritzville also served as head pastor at St. John.

From the guide to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville, Washington, Records, 1887-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)