As early as 1919, Pastor Frederick W. Behrmann of St. Paul Lutheran Church at The Grove had been requested to minister to a growing number of Lutherans in Temple. This prompted the pastor to suggest conducting worship services in the home of one of these Lutheran families. So on August 20, 1924, a small group of worshipers gathered in the home of Mr. And Mrs. C.H. Falke. Faithful study and proclamation of the Word of God allowed this tiny group to grow and organize Immanuel Lutheran Church on March 24, 1926, as a congregation of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

After meeting at the old Temple YMCA for several months, the voters of the fledging congregation approved a resolution on March 4, 1927, to build a chapel and parsonage on the corner of 25th Street and Avenue M, where Al's Barbecue Barn is presently. The dedication of this facility took place on May 20, 1928.

Although the congregation had stated in Article VI of its first constitution, "We obligate ourselves at all times to the maintenance and furtherance of a Christian Day School," it was not until 1946 that concrete preparations were made for opening of such a school. The first pupil enrolled was Shirley Miersch (now Buser) who presently teaches second grade at Immanuel Lutheran School.

In December of 1949, the congregation purchased a site at West Avenue H between 41st and 43rd streets. A new two-room school unit was dedicated to the glory of God on November 12, 1950. The groundbreaking of the current church building took place on February 26, 1955, with the cornerstone being laid on October 21 of that same year. The dedication took place a little more than a year later on November 25, 1956.

With a growing membership, the need for more space prompted the construction of a new educational building. It was dedicated June 9, 1974. That additional space sufficed until the mid-1980’s when Immanuel's preschool and reopened elementary school blossomed in enrollment. The congregation undertook building additional educational facilities, new office space, a gymnasium, a cafeteria and a kitchen. These facilities were dedicated to the glory of God on June 28, 1987.

During the last fifteen years, Immanuel has experienced significant growth in membership and in worship attendance. Currently Immanuel has more than 1100 baptized members and more than 870 confirmed members with an average weekend worship attendance of 475.

In 1993, the congregation responded to a need for a variety in worship by adding an informal Saturday evening worship service, which included dramatic skits. In 1996, a 48 rank Wicks Organ was purchased from St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Houston. Many Immanuel members generously donated their time and talent to help disassemble, move, and reinstall the organ, the organ console, and its electronic switching system, as well as tune each rank of pipes. In September 1999, a third Sunday morning divine service was created in an attempt to offer even more variety in worship. Designed according to a contemporary praise format, this service has utilized the musical gifts of many of Immanuel’s members and friends. In 2003, a projection system was purchased and installed in the sanctuary. Today multimedia is an integral part of the contemporary worship experience and provides creative options for other worship settings as well.

Immanuel continues to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through its many mission opportunities. In 2003, along with two youth outreach mission efforts to Mexico and Alaska, there was an additional Adult Mission trip to Mexico. Since then a number of individuals have taken part in short-term mission service in various locations around the globe including Germany, Hungary, and Kenya.

Immanuel continues to mobilize its lay leadership into active meaningful ministry service thereby creating a deeper relationship with Jesus. In 2004, Immanuel participated in 40 Days of Purpose. This congregation-wide event saw the formation of more than 40 small groups. A number of them are continuing to meet regularly even some two years after the completion of the program.

In 2005, in response to a need for a more coordinated approach to member visitation and contact, Shepherd’s Staff was launched. Utilizing lay volunteers, Shepherd’s Staff is designed so that congregational members care for one another and live out their roles as members of the Body of Christ. Teams are organized to assist the pastors and elders with hospital and shut-in visitation, with crisis situations such as a death in the family, with short-term and long-term absenteeism from worship, with outreach to guests in worship, and with overall member care.

As the congregation looks to the future, it does so with joy and anticipation. Recently the congregational leadership adopted a vision statement: "Christ alive in every heart." This vision will serve as the foundation for strategic planning in the months and years ahead. It is our goal, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do all we can to tell the Good News about Jesus.

During the last 80 years, God has been with Immanuel as He promised and as reflected in the name, which the little congregation assumed in 1926: Immanuel, which in Hebrew means, "God With Us". The tiny mustard seed has grown and become "a tree so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

To God alone be the glory!

Pastors who have served Immanuel: