1868 April 18
The new building on Tackawanna Street is dedicated. Many clergy are present for the
ceremony.
The new building on Tackawanna Street is dedicated. Many clergy are present for the
ceremony.
1869 Pastor Vossler leaves.
1870-79 Early in the decade, a bell is purchased for the church, however, this period is one of turmoil
and instability. There is internal dissent, lack of growth, and a lack of understanding of the true
mission of the church. The Lutheran Board of the City Mission supports the congregation
financially, and numerous pastors come and go during this time: Pastor C.J. Gossling, Pastor W.
Hasskarl, Pastor A. Volquarts, Pastor J. Bazer, and Pastor J. Nicum. Congregational members
are not consistent in presence or stewardship. Besides the support from the City Mission
Board, picnics and dances as fund-raisers are the main source of income.
1880 Pastor Matthias Schimpf arrives, and a period of growth and stability begins. Pastor
Schimpf finds chaos and disarray and begins to correct some issues. He finds four
factions in the church, which he works to unite in ministry. No one had signed the
charter since 1855, so he has members sign the charter.. The parsonage and organ are
repaired. A constitution is once again created. A choir is established. Debt is paid.
Some animosities between families cease and some members return.
1870-79 Early in the decade, a bell is purchased for the church, however, this period is one of turmoil
and instability. There is internal dissent, lack of growth, and a lack of understanding of the true
mission of the church. The Lutheran Board of the City Mission supports the congregation
financially, and numerous pastors come and go during this time: Pastor C.J. Gossling, Pastor W.
Hasskarl, Pastor A. Volquarts, Pastor J. Bazer, and Pastor J. Nicum. Congregational members
are not consistent in presence or stewardship. Besides the support from the City Mission
Board, picnics and dances as fund-raisers are the main source of income.
1880 Pastor Matthias Schimpf arrives, and a period of growth and stability begins. Pastor
Schimpf finds chaos and disarray and begins to correct some issues. He finds four
factions in the church, which he works to unite in ministry. No one had signed the
charter since 1855, so he has members sign the charter.. The parsonage and organ are
repaired. A constitution is once again created. A choir is established. Debt is paid.
Some animosities between families cease and some members return.
1883 There is a surplus in the treasury.
1885 The congregation is debt-free.
1891 The congregation which has been a mission congregation helps to organize St. Petri Lutheran
Church in Tacony.
1896 Pastor Schimpf dies. Pastor Paul Schneider arrives.
1898 Pastor Schneider leaves. Pastor Hennig von Bosse arrives. During his pastorate, there is major
growth and renovation. A new Sunday School Hall and stained glass windows are added to the
building. Relocation is considered, but does not happen at this time. During World War I there is
harassment of the Germans by Immigration. An agent is present on Sundays during worship to
make sure the pastor is not preaching anything that could be considered propaganda.
1885 The congregation is debt-free.
1891 The congregation which has been a mission congregation helps to organize St. Petri Lutheran
Church in Tacony.
1896 Pastor Schimpf dies. Pastor Paul Schneider arrives.
1898 Pastor Schneider leaves. Pastor Hennig von Bosse arrives. During his pastorate, there is major
growth and renovation. A new Sunday School Hall and stained glass windows are added to the
building. Relocation is considered, but does not happen at this time. During World War I there is
harassment of the Germans by Immigration. An agent is present on Sundays during worship to
make sure the pastor is not preaching anything that could be considered propaganda.
|
|
1919 Pastor von Bosse leaves. He is named Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Johannes Burgdorf arrives. During
his pastorate, weekly offering envelopes and a monthly newsletter (“Der Sendbote”) are
established.
1919 Pastor von Bosse leaves. He is named Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Johannes Burgdorf arrives. During
his pastorate, weekly offering envelopes and a monthly newsletter (“Der Sendbote”) are
established.
1923 Pastor Burgdorf dies. Pastor William Herrmann arrives. During his pastorate, most German-speaking congregations change to English worship. English is introduced at Immanuel and the church becomes bilingual. Pastor Herrmann becomes a leader in the German Conference of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. World War II does not find as much hostility toward Germans, so the congregation is not harassed.
1942 Immanuel celebrates its 150th anniversary.
End of 1940s
Many members have moved to the far Northeast. The German community is shifting
away from Frankford.
1954 Pastor Hermann dies on September 14 after serving as pastor 31 years, the longest pastorate of
Immanuel.
1955-57 Pastor David Scheidt serves as pastor. Constitution and bylaws are rewritten.
1957 Pastor Hans Haug arrives.
End of 1940s
Many members have moved to the far Northeast. The German community is shifting
away from Frankford.
1954 Pastor Hermann dies on September 14 after serving as pastor 31 years, the longest pastorate of
Immanuel.
1955-57 Pastor David Scheidt serves as pastor. Constitution and bylaws are rewritten.
1957 Pastor Hans Haug arrives.
|
1962
Pastor Haug and the congregation have a definite plan for future development. The Board of the Ministerium encourages this plan. 1964 The Somerton site is purchased. Approval to build a new church is sought from the Executive Board of the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod. Dr. James Clements begins as organist and choir director. |
|
1965 September, request to build is turned down by the Board. The congregation remains in
Frankford. The membership remains stable. The Haugs move into the house on the Somerton
property. The property is used for picnics, Vacation Bible School, and other activities.
1969 June, Pastor Haug approaches Dr. Wiliam Jansen, President of what is now the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Synod, for permission to build. A committee on German interests is formed. The
congregation is given permission to conduct German services in Somerton.
1971 March, first German service is conducted in Somerton, in the chapel of Sunset Memorial Park.
Services and Sunday School continue there.
1972 April, the congregation again applies for permission to build on the Somerton site.
July, permission is denied. Petitions and letters are written and signed showing support for a
new building. President of the Lutheran Church in America Dr. Robert Marshall is supportive of
building.
September, permission is granted with conditions.
Frankford. The membership remains stable. The Haugs move into the house on the Somerton
property. The property is used for picnics, Vacation Bible School, and other activities.
1969 June, Pastor Haug approaches Dr. Wiliam Jansen, President of what is now the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Synod, for permission to build. A committee on German interests is formed. The
congregation is given permission to conduct German services in Somerton.
1971 March, first German service is conducted in Somerton, in the chapel of Sunset Memorial Park.
Services and Sunday School continue there.
1972 April, the congregation again applies for permission to build on the Somerton site.
July, permission is denied. Petitions and letters are written and signed showing support for a
new building. President of the Lutheran Church in America Dr. Robert Marshall is supportive of
building.
September, permission is granted with conditions.