History, Part 2

[Adapted from a History of Emmanuel written during the 1980's by lifelong member Edith E. Lidke, who died in March 1996 at the age of 101.]

The Rev. Hugo Fenker was called to serve our congregation in 1912, and Emmanuel for the next 32 years. He continued to hold German services for the older members, but at once introduced English worship services. He also instituted the practices of allowing families to sit together; previously the men and boys sat on the left side of the church while the women and girls sat on the right side of the church. A Ladies Aid and the Dorcas Society Circles were formed, Junior and Senior Luther Leagues and the Men's Brotherhood were established. These steps resulted in an increase in congregation membership and worship attendance.

Rev. Hugo Fenker

Pastor Fenker's deep interest in the spiritual welfare and lives of people and his sincere faith inspired others to deeper loyalty and stronger faith. Every member of his family gave their time and talent to the church and community. Mrs. Fenker helped organize the young women into Deaconess Girls, later the Altar Guild. She also started a children's Mission Band, a Junior Choir, and the Mary Martha Missionary Society for women. The Fenker's son Luther became director of Emmanuel's Senior Choir; their daughter, Betty, served as Junior Choir director and as Organist for 40 years (until her passing in 1970); and their son Ted was a longstanding member of the Senior Choir.

Early in Pastor Fenker's tenure, the old facilities proved inadequate for the fast-growing congregation. A longtime member, John Engel, had given to Emmanuel a lot at 201 North River Blvd. (on the northwest corner of the intersection of River Blvd. And North Street), and in 1921 the congregation members decided to build a new church building on that site. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on August 28, 1922, and the building was completed the following year. The original building had educational space located immediately below the sanctuary, including offices for the pastor and a kitchen. The stained glass windows that decorate our sanctuary were installed at that time, as was a Moeller pipe organ. The total cost of all construction of the original building, including all the furnishings, was about $55,000. The new sanctuary was dedicated on December 23, 1923.

Rev. Herman Meyer

In 1924, our congregation shared in a happy celebration when Emmanuel member Herman Meyer was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry by Pastor Fenker in our church.

Beginning in 1940, seven interns from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus Ohio served as vicars for one year each. They were Gary Pflunger, Ernest Phillipi, William Zimpfer, Otto Emmelhainz, George Neiman and Walter Weitske. Pastor Weitzke later became Director of Theological Education for the former American Lutheran Church.

Pastor Fenker passed away suddenly at his home the first Sunday in December 1944, with his hat on his head and his Bible in his hand ready to go to church. The Rev. Harley Sipe was installed on June 24, 1945, as the 15th pastor of Emmanuel. Under Pastor Sipe's leadership Emmanuel continued to be active and grow. Among the outstanding events during Pastor Sipe's tenure was the ordination of his oldest son, Theodore H. Sipe, into Lutheran ministry at Emmanuel on June 19, 1955.

Following the influx of families after World War II, the congregation saw the need for more educational and meeting space as well as larger kitchen and restroom facilities. After considering several options (including an expansion of the sanctuary toward the Huron River on the west), the congregation purchased the two lots to the north of the original church building for the construction of an educational wing, based on designs by local architect Ralph Gerganoff. Pledges of $200,000 lead to groundbreaking in 1956; work was completed a year later and dedication of the new space was held on October 6, 1957. Although the educational wing stands two stories high, the structure was designed to support the addition of a third level housing a multipurpose area (auditorium/ gymnasium) if it is needed in the future.

In 1959 Emmanuel celebrated its 100th anniversary. A centennial pageant, involving nearly 200 members, was presented at the Ypsilanti High School auditorium for the public. Luther Fenker (son of the late Pastor Fenker) staged and directed this event.

Continue to Emmanuel History, Part 3
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“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,
and shall call his name Emmanuel -- GOD WITH US.”
Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:23