Growth under Pastor Schimpf: 1880-1896:
In 1880 a pastor arrived who was to remain for 15 years and lead Immanuel into a period of growth and stability such as it had never seen before: Matthias Schimpf. However, all of this did not come about without a struggle with the faction which seems to have been causing trouble since 1870, and which has been alluded to in various ways by the pastors quoted in the previous section. In a brief historical sketch written in 1885 he describes the first five years of his pastorate and the struggle for pastoral authority:
June 20, 1880, the present pastor took charge of the congregation. Indifference regarding our higher calling and the festivities of worldly-mindedness revealed gradually an appalling state of affairs. Since 1855 not a single individual had signed the charter of the church. The nominal congregation consisted of four independent factions. The stand to take and course to pursue became clear. By pleading, explaining, admonishing, things took a different turn. The Ladies Society soon acknowledged the authority of the Church Council. The Männerverein adopted a constitution for the benefit of the church. The pastor instructed the choir. The Church Council and others signed the charter. By arranging two fairs, demanded by the force of circumstances, but conducted in a respectable manner, at which all joined and helped, the heavy deby since 1869 could be paid; the church, parsonage, organ, so long neglected, were repaired. With the close of the year 1883 and a considerable surplus in the treasury, all this was accomplished. At length in peace, Immanuel Lutheran Church need no longer be ashamed beside other churches.
On the 5th of September, 1885, through the assistance and untiring zeal of L. K. Miller, Esq., the bequest of Mrs. Louisa Brockmann, still leaving at Collegeville, a property worth $1500, was after much trouble and expense secured for our congregation. It is now in peace, numbers 115 communicants, 43 pewholders, and the debts are paid. With the year 1885 these records were closed. God is our refuge.
Pastor Schimpf served Immanuel until his unexpected death on January 13, 1896. Not only did he bring stability and order to the congregation, he also helped organize a new German Lutheran church in Tacony in 1891. Today this parish is known as St. Petri Lutheran Church. It is significant that under Pastor Schimpf's leadership Immanuel, itself a mission for so many years, was now strong enough to undertake a mission project of its own.
June 20, 1880, the present pastor took charge of the congregation. Indifference regarding our higher calling and the festivities of worldly-mindedness revealed gradually an appalling state of affairs. Since 1855 not a single individual had signed the charter of the church. The nominal congregation consisted of four independent factions. The stand to take and course to pursue became clear. By pleading, explaining, admonishing, things took a different turn. The Ladies Society soon acknowledged the authority of the Church Council. The Männerverein adopted a constitution for the benefit of the church. The pastor instructed the choir. The Church Council and others signed the charter. By arranging two fairs, demanded by the force of circumstances, but conducted in a respectable manner, at which all joined and helped, the heavy deby since 1869 could be paid; the church, parsonage, organ, so long neglected, were repaired. With the close of the year 1883 and a considerable surplus in the treasury, all this was accomplished. At length in peace, Immanuel Lutheran Church need no longer be ashamed beside other churches.
On the 5th of September, 1885, through the assistance and untiring zeal of L. K. Miller, Esq., the bequest of Mrs. Louisa Brockmann, still leaving at Collegeville, a property worth $1500, was after much trouble and expense secured for our congregation. It is now in peace, numbers 115 communicants, 43 pewholders, and the debts are paid. With the year 1885 these records were closed. God is our refuge.
Pastor Schimpf served Immanuel until his unexpected death on January 13, 1896. Not only did he bring stability and order to the congregation, he also helped organize a new German Lutheran church in Tacony in 1891. Today this parish is known as St. Petri Lutheran Church. It is significant that under Pastor Schimpf's leadership Immanuel, itself a mission for so many years, was now strong enough to undertake a mission project of its own.