Outreach and Church History
Brief History of Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Emmanuel Lutheran Church began its mission in an area of Garrett County known as the Forks in 1822. The congregation was formally organized in 1842 and was then known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Forks. Early services were held in a log school building across the road from the present church structure. In 1874 the congregation resolved to build a new house of worship. Christian J. Brenneman built the new church at a cost of $1,300 and it was dedicated in February, 1875. Around 1904, Emmanuel became part of the Bittinger Lutheran Parish and for many years worshiped as part of a three-point parish. In 1992, a new education building was constructed and dedicated and Emmanuel celebrated its 150th year as an organized church. In 2000, the Lutheran organization known as the Mission Builders assisted the congregation in building the current church structure which adjoins the education building. All the original stained glass windows, the church bell, altar, pulpit, lectern, baptismal font, and pews continue in use in the new building. The old church was razed in September of 2000 and the new structure was dedicated September 30, 2000. In January, 2013, Emmanuel began operating as an independent congregation.
Parts of the Brief History taken from the 1982, 1992, and 2001 Bittinger Lutheran Parish Directories.
Emmanuel Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA)
The Emmanuel WELCA members conduct a number of mission projects each year with a primary emphasis on weekly sessions creating comforters for Lutheran World Relief, the Dove Center in Oakland, Maryland, and others in need. Throughout the year, WELCA and members of the congregation collect items for school kits, personal care kits, and baby kits for Lutheran World Relief. Each fall, kits and comforters are transported to the LWR site in New Windsor, Maryland. At Christmas, WELCA and the congregation usually provide gifts and food for a family in need. During the year, WELCA holds an annual Mother-Daughter banquet in May, a summer picnic, and a Christmas party and luncheon in December. WELCA coordinates purchase and placement of alter flowers given in honor or memory of loved ones.
