The Story 
 
 of THE 
 
 Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 1853—1928 
 
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 HISTORICAL. SI 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/storyofimmanuellOObeng 
 
Parish House and Parsonage of the Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Elmdale and Greenview Avenues, Chicago 
 
The Story 
 
 of the 
 
 Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Published in connection with the 
 
 Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Celebration 
 
 of the 
 
 Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church 
 
 of Chicago 
 January 8—16, 1928 
 
 LIBRARY U. 0? I. URBANA-CHAMPAIfiN 
 
HEV. C. O. UENGTSON AM) FAMILY 
 
B^fdlo 
 
 s 
 
 r ore word 
 
 The records of the past contain a beautiful Immanuel story. It is a story 
 of God's wonderful loving kindness. It is, as well, a story of faith and love, of 
 prayers and labors, on the part of many devout followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 The circumstances connected with the present humble attempt to tell the 
 story, and the limitations which the size and plan of this little book impose, have 
 made it necessary to leave many interesting incidents untouched. Whether or 
 not the best choice of material has been made, must be left to the judgmenl 
 of others. 
 
 The sources of the material which has been used are mainly "Korsbaneret" 
 for the years 1881 and 1882, "Minnesskrift," and the Church Records. 
 
 Those who have aided in the publication of this lunik have given splendid 
 service, and deserve most hearty thanks. 
 
 C. O. Bengtson. 
 
J)H. KIM. AM) CARLSSON 
 
 DR. i:\HI. A. EVALD 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 C. 0. BENGTSON 
 
 American Lutheran Beginnings 
 
 HE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA is no exotic, trans- 
 planted from n foreign shore, hut it is a native of this conti- 
 nent. It is not the church of any one of the numerous hinds, 
 whence its members have originally come, and to which it 
 is indebted for much thai it joyfully appropriates, but it is as 
 independent ;is is the United Slates of the country which has 
 given to it its institutions, its laws, and its literature." — II. E. Jacobs. 
 
 The first Lutheran settlers in America came from Holland in 
 1(123. They settled in what is now Albany, X. V. Two years later 
 (1G25) others came and settled on the present site of Xew York City. 
 
 The first Lutherans to organize congregations, build churches, 
 and conduct public worship were the Swedes. They began to arrive 
 in 1637. The first hook translated into the language of the American 
 Indians was Luther's Small Catechism. It was translated by the 
 Swedish pastor John Campanius. 
 
 The leader of greatest prominence in the early Lutheran Church 
 was Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, the "Lutheran patriarch," a notable 
 figure of the Revolutionary period. He was the father of the famous 
 "Fighting Parson" of Virginia and of the first Speaker of the House 
 of Congress. He came to America from Germany, at the age of thirty- 
 two, in 1742. In 1748 he organized the Evangelical Lutheran Minis- 
 terium of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States, the first Lutheran synod 
 in America. 
 
 By 1820 several other district synods had been organized, l'.c- 
 presentatives of five such synods met in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 
 that year and organized the General Synod of the Lutheran Church 
 
 in America. As new synods were formed most of them joined this 
 general body, until in 1860 it embraced twenty-six district synods. 
 
 "In 1638 there were fifty Lutherans in this country. A hundred 
 years later (1738) there were five thousand; two hundred years 
 later (1838) there were seventy-five thousand; today there are over 
 two million." — C. A. Wendell. 
 
 Beginnings in Chicago 
 
 The first Lutheran Church in Chicago was Organized by Germans 
 in 1846. 
 
 By that time quite a number of Scandinavians had settled in the 
 city. A kind of congregation was organized among them in 1847. and 
 a church building was started on Superior Street, between La Salic 
 and Wells Streets. A considerable amount of money was collected. 
 six hundred dollars of which was contributed by kindhearted Ger- 
 man Lutherans in St. Louis. 
 
 The leader of the venture was a man named Gustaf Smith, an 
 adventurer, who, though not ordained, posed as a clergyman. Soon 
 the members began to suspect that all was not well. When he became 
 aware of this, he absconded with the funds. Shortly thereafter a 
 violent storm nearly wrecked the partially completed building. Grave 
 dissension arose and the whole venture ended as a fiasco. 
 
 A number of the Norwegians had, from the first, been distrustful 
 of Mr. Smith. They turned for leadership to a man named Paul An- 
 dersen, who visited Chicago at intervals and conducted divine serv- 
 ices. At the time he was a student at Beloit College, a Presbyterian in 
 stitution. On being urged to do so, Mr. Andersen took up his residence 
 here in 1848. On February 14th of thai year, he organized a con- 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE 
 
 I ill i III HCII ON SUPERIOR STREET 
 
 nil:: CHURCH UN SEDGWICK AM) HOBBIE STREETS 
 BEFORE THE FIRE 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 gregation. The same year he was ordained by the Evangelical 
 Lutheran Frankean Synod. Before long the congregation purchased 
 the unfinished structure on Superior Street, and rebuilt it into a neat 
 and serviceable 1 i 1 1 1 c- sanctuary. 
 
 The following year another pastor arrived to minister among the 
 Scandinavians. This was Rev. Gustaf Unonius, ordained in the Pro- 
 testant Episcopal Church in 1846. He had assisted in the establish- 
 ment of a Swedish colony, near Pine Lake, Wisconsin, as early as 
 1841. Shortly after his arrival in Chicago he organized the St. 
 Ansgarius Episcopal congregation. The date of organization was 
 March 5, 184!). The charter members were thirty-four in number, 
 about half Swedes and half Norwegians. 
 
 In 1850 Rev. Unonius took a trip through the Eastern states and 
 gathered funds for a building. The amount thus gathered, together 
 with funds collected in Chicago, and a gift of $1,51111 from the cele- 
 brated singer Jenny Lind, was sufficient to build both a church and 
 a parsonage. These were located on Franklin Street. The congrega- 
 tion continued to grow and at one time attained considerable nu- 
 merical strength. 
 
 It can not be denied that during the early years, many joined 
 this congregation under the misapprehension that they were joining 
 a "real" Lutheran Church. Throughout the years the vicissitudes of 
 this church have been various. The corporation is still continued by 
 the little St. Ansgarius Episcopal Church now located at 5(i48 Lincoln 
 Avenue. 
 
 Thus by 1850 there were two Scandinavian churches in Chicago. 
 As a rule, however, the Swedes joined the St. Ansgarius Church, and 
 the Norwegians the Lutheran Church. 
 
 A Good and Wise Pastor 
 
 In 1852 a little company of immigrants came to Chicago from 
 Vastergotland, Sweden. They continued on by boat to Sheboygan, 
 Wisconsin. There they remained for two days on the docks, men, 
 women, and children, with their baggage, under the open sky. No 
 one understood their language and no one seemed willing to lend 
 them any assistance. Their unhappy plighl looked SO desperate that 
 when the hoat made its return trip, they went hack to Chicago. 
 
 Here they managed to find quarters with some Norwegian 
 families, members of the Lutheran Church. Many of them soon fell 
 ill with the cholera, and one expressing an eager desire to see a 
 Lutheran pastor. Rev. Paul Andersen was sent for. Though it was 
 late in the night, he came with spiritual comfort for the sick and the 
 dying. As time went on he continued his ministrations, giving them 
 all good counsel and assistance, in both spiritual and temporal things. 
 As a result, the members of the little band became much attached to 
 him, most of them joining his church. Some among them were ot 
 deep Christian piety. 
 
 About this time the Scandinavian population in Chicago was in- 
 creasing rapidly. This brought new problems. Rev. Andersen was 
 already fully occupied in meeting the spiritual needs of the Nor- 
 wegians. Lie felt that to them belonged the first claim on his time 
 and strength. His influence on the Swedish people was, naturally, 
 rather limited. Yet, he was concerned about them. It troubled him 
 to see many of them drawn into non-Lutheran circles, some by sheer 
 deception, and many others remain spiritually indifferent. Hi' came 
 to feel that the best way out would be to organize an independent 
 Swedish Lutheran Church. His own Swedish members, so he hoped, 
 were to become the nucleus of the new organization. 
 
 An opportunity to realize his plans presented itself with the ar- 
 rival of Rev. Tuve N. Hasselquist, from Sweden, in October, LS52. 
 Rev. Hasselquist stopped in Chicago a few days, and was a guest in 
 his home. The situation was gone into with the result that Rev. Has- 
 selquist promised to return, at his earliest convenience, to organize 
 a Swedish congregation. 
 
 Immanuel Organized 
 
 Dr. Hasselquist kept his promise. After attending a church con- 
 ference in Moline in the early part of January, 1853, he set out by 
 stage coach on the long, costly, and wearisome journey to Chicago. 
 
 In a letter to Dr. P. Fjellstedt in Sweden, under the date of Janu- 
 ary 17, 1853, he wrote concerning his visit to Chicago, and what then 
 took place, as follows: "After attending the Mississippi Conference 
 convention in Moline 1 went from there to Chicago, and, since a week 
 ago hist Thursday, f have here preached five times. Yesterday I 
 
10 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 preached in the forenoon, in reality to the Norwegian congregation, 
 unci in the afternoon to the Swedes. At the hitter occasion I preached 
 on 'Christian Caution in Regard to Strange Religious Communions,' 
 ;m<l afterwards spoke ;i few words on Jeremiah <>: 16, whereupon 
 pastor Paul Andersen offered a fervent prayer with respect to the 
 weighty matter before us, which brought the tears to most eyes. 
 Then we both went inside the altar rail and proposed to the Swedes 
 three resolutions, in regard to the organization of a congregation, 
 the basis on which members subsequently are to be received, and 
 the congregation's character as Lutheran. Now enrollment of mem- 
 bers took place, and a decision was made regarding the call of a 
 pastor, whereupon all was concluded with prayer, the benediction, 
 and the singing of psalm number 412, stanza (i, from the Swedish 
 psalmbook." 
 
 The names of eighty persons were placed on the membership 
 roll. The decision regarding the call of a pastor was. that a letter 
 containing a call should he sent to Dr. 1'. Fjellstedt, giving him the 
 authority to select the proper num. In due time Dr. Fjellstedt 
 exercised the authority thus given him, and sent the call to Rev. 
 Erland Carlsson, at the time serving in the Vexjo diocese. 
 
 A Great Leader Comes 
 
 Dr. Fjellstedt chose more wisely than he perhaps realized. There 
 can hi' no doubt that he was divinely led in making the selection. 
 A more fitting man could not have been found. 
 
 Rev. Carlsson, being impressed with the call, laid the matter 
 earnestly in prayer before the Lord, and came at length to the con- 
 viction, that (iod had chosen him for this work. 
 
 After receiving the requisite permission from the crown, and 
 having made other necessary preparations, Rev. Carlsson set sail for 
 America, in the company of one hundred and seventy-six other emi- 
 grants, on .lime 'A, l<Sf>,'{. New York was not reached until Saturday. 
 August 13th. On Monday, August '22nd. Rev. Carlsson arrived in Chi- 
 cago, and was met at the depot and warmly welcomed, by members 
 of his future flock. 
 
 From the time of organization until Rev. Carlsson arrived, the 
 congregation held its services in the Norwegian Church, each Sunday 
 
 m \ P \1 I. ANDERSEN 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 1! 
 
 afternoon. There was no preacher, but a sermon from some good 
 postil was read by one of the members. Once (luring the spring Rev. 
 L. P. Esbjorn, then stationed at Andover, visited the congregation and 
 conducted a communion service. Rev. Carlsson preached Ins first 
 sermon on August 2<Sth, the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 Rev. Carlsson's Motto 
 
 During the first years both the pastor and the people endured 
 main hardships. It is only to be expected that they looked upon 
 themselves as strangers in a strange land. This sentiment served to 
 draw them (loser together, and where there was also spiritual fellow- 
 ship based on the mutual experience of grace, the attachment became 
 deep and tender. As Rev. Carlsson took hold, vigorously, on the 
 multifarious duties crowding upon him, he was confident that God 
 would supply him with both strength and wisdom for his labors. 
 On the first page of the church records he has written these words: 
 "Relying upon divine assistance I am determined to declare the truth 
 openly and faithfully, whatever difficulties may he thrown in my 
 way." Is (here, perhaps, an element of prophesy in the circumstance 
 that he wrote these words in the English language? 
 
 The Charter Members 
 
 By the time Rev. Carlsson took charge, the majority of the original 
 eighty communicant members had drifted away. Some had left the 
 city and some had been drawn into other denominations. Thirty-six, 
 eight married couples, and twenty single persons, were all thai re- 
 mained. 
 
 All of them were in straitened financial circumstances. Thej 
 lived in shanties, or other crowded and inadequate rented quarters. 
 As they could not house tile pastor, he secured two rooms with a 
 Norwegian family. For lodging, hoard, and laundry he paid ten 
 dollars a month. 
 
 In 1903, when the congregation celebrated the fiftieth anniversary 
 of its organization, only two of the charter members were still alive. 
 They were Eva Charlotta Anderson ami Gottfrid Carlson. Because of 
 the merit of their membership, as well as its long duration, they de- 
 serve special mention. 
 
 IJH. TUVE N. HASSELQUIST 
 
12 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 The former was born in Timmelhed, Vastergotland, Sweden, 
 March 11, 1829, and came to America in 1851. She was married to 
 Rev. Carlsson on May 2.">, IS."),"), and as Ins wife gave twenty years of 
 most valuable service in the upbuilding of the congregation. The 
 following children, Annie, Emmy, Samuel, and Ebenezer blessed this 
 union. .Mrs. Carlsson was endowed with much native ability and had 
 a pleasing personality. She was a humble Christian whose life was 
 filled with good deeds. She nursed the sick, cared for the destitute, 
 was a wise and tender mother, and an exemplary pastor's wife. She 
 left Chicago to reside with her husband respectively in Andover, Rock 
 Island, and Lindsborg, but upon bis death in 1893, she returned, and 
 made her home during her declining years, with her daughter, Mis. 
 Emmy Evald. She died on July 11, 1911, eighty-two years and four 
 months old. 
 
 Gottfrid Carlson, best known as Captain Carlson, because of his 
 captaincy, during many years, in the Chicago Fire Department, was 
 born in Kylingareds parish, province of Alfsborg, Sweden, Novembei 
 2!), l<S.'if>. lie lived a beautifully consistent Christian life. Everyone 
 coming in contact with him felt the being influence of his spiritual- 
 ity. He served for a long period as a deacon, and he loved lo visit 
 the sick and aged. He was seventeen years old when his name was 
 placed on the charter roll, and his membership continued unbroken 
 until his death, a period of almost seventy-one years. He was pos- 
 sessed of practically undiminished mental and physical vigor up to 
 the very end of life. His death was caused by an automobile accident 
 on December 11, 1923. lie was then eighty-eight years and twelve 
 days old. 
 
 The First Annual Meeting 
 
 The first annual meeting was held on January 27, 1854. Al the 
 meeting of organization no Board of Administration had been elected, 
 no constitution had been adopted, anil no minutes had been kept. The 
 only document from that meeting was the membership list. It was 
 decided, therefore, that a brief account of the congregation's origin 
 was to be written and spread on the secretary's book. 
 
 The pastor bad prepared a constitution, which was adopted. I lie 
 financial report lor the year showed receipts to the amount of $21.90. 
 
 DR. I. AHS I'. ESBJoRN 
 
 (the sum total of the offerings lilted at the services) and disburse- 
 ments to the amount of $11.93 (the sum paid for lighting ami heating 
 the church). There was a balance in the treasurj of $9.97. Up I" 
 January 1st. the pastor had received no pay excepl the Christmas 
 offering, which was $18.75. No salary was decided on at this meeting. 
 It was understood thai the pastor's support should consist of free- 
 will contributions and personal gifts. The necessarj steps to secure 
 Legal incorporation under the laws of Illinois, were taken. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 13 
 
 The Constitution 
 
 The constitution prepared by Rev. Carlsson is a noteworthy docu- 
 ment, because it lays down principles which later were adhered to by 
 the Augustana Synod in prescribing a constitution for its congrega- 
 tions. 
 
 There were three paragraphs. The first reads as follows: "As 
 a Christian Church in general, and as an Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 in particular, this congregation acknowledges the Holy Scriptures as 
 the Word of Cod, the only sufficient and infallible norm lor man's 
 faith and practice, anil accepts not only the three oldest symbols (the 
 Apostolical, the Nicene, and the Athanasian ), but also the Augsburg 
 Confession, as a brief but true summary of the fundamental doctrines 
 of the Christian religion." The second paragraph concerns the re- 
 el ption of members, and the third church discipline. 
 
 This constitution was not in force more than lour years. In 1<S.">7 
 the Chicago and Mississippi Conferences held a joint meeting in 
 Chicago, March IS — 23, and prepared a congregational constitution. 
 The committee which presented the original draft consisted of the 
 following "fathers" of the Augustana Synod: L. P. Esbjorn, E. Norc- 
 lius, Erl. Carlsson, (). C. T. Andren. Dr. Norelius was not at the 
 meeting, but he submitted a document, drawn up by himself, which 
 was used as the basis for the committee's work. The convention gave 
 this matter close attention for several days. A number of changes and 
 revisions were made. The result was a splendid constitution, which 
 the convention urged all the congregations concerned to adopt. This 
 was done by the Immanuel congregation at the annual meeting on 
 January 2!), 1858. 
 
 No changes were made in the constitution thus adopted until it 
 had been in force about fourteen years. The changes then made were 
 suggested by the Augustana Synod at its convention in Amlover, in 
 1870. The revised constitution submitted by the synod, went into 
 effect in the Immanuel congregation after its adoption at two suc- 
 cessive annual meetings. 
 
 Since then minor changes, recommended by the synod, have been 
 adopted from time lo time. At the present time the congregation is 
 governed by the constitution prescribed by the synod at its conven- 
 
 CAPT. .1. GOTTFRID CARLSON 
 
 tion in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1!>07 and amended in 1915. The 
 number of deacons and trustees is respectively twelve, as fixed at the 
 annual meeting in 1920. 
 
 The Name 
 
 The original corporate name of the congregation was "Swedish 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chicago." This was sufficient as 
 long as there was only one Swedish Lutheran congregation in the 
 city. But when the Salem congregation was organized on the south 
 side in 1868 it was felt that a more distinctive name ought to be 
 assumed. Accordingly at the annual meeting on January 1, 1869, tin 
 congregation chose the name: "Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Im- 
 manuel Church of Chicago." This continued to lie the corporate name 
 
14 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 for fifty-one years. In connection with its adoption the following 
 was written in the hook of minutes: "May this name now and in the 
 future be to the congregation a glorious and comforting truth! Yea. 
 may the Lord always be with us as a congregation. Then our motto 
 shall be, 
 
 'God is with us, with Him are we; 
 
 To us belongs His blessings.' " 
 
 As a result of the merger with the Bethel church the name was 
 changed again at the annual meeting on January 1. 1920. This time 
 it became the "Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church of Chicago." 
 By this last change the congregation has put itself on record as an 
 American church which speaks the language of the land, and keeps its 
 doors open to everyone in the community, irrespective of national 
 antecedents. 
 
 Relations with General Bodies 
 
 The congregation's first connection with a general body was 
 made the very year of its organization. The third convention of the 
 Synod of .Northern Illinois, one of the district synods of the national 
 General Synod, was held that year in Galesburg, during the month of 
 October. Since Paul Andersen, I.. P. Esbjorn, and T. X. Hasselquist, 
 together with their churches, belonged, the congregation, at a meeting 
 held on Sunday, October 9th, decided to send delegates. The pastor 
 and Mr. C. .1. Anderson Were elected. The funds for their journey 
 were raised through a free-will subscription. As a gage of the 
 liberality shown at this lime by the almost destitute flock, it is 
 recorded that most of those present gave one dollar, and the rest 
 gave fifty cents. 
 
 One of the constituent bodies in the Synod of .Northern Illinois, 
 was the Mississippi Conference, organized in Moline by four Swedish 
 pastors, Esbjorn, Hasselquist, Valentine, and Hakanson, on January 
 I), 1853. On joining the synod at Galesburg, the congregation became a 
 member of this conference. Close relations were also maintained to 
 the Chicago Conference, a Norwegian body. We have seen that the 
 constitution, which the congregation adopted in 1858, was submitted 
 by a joint convention of the Mississippi and Chicago Conferences. 
 
 The Mississippi Conference is continued today by the present Illinois 
 Conference of the Augustana Synod. 
 
 The Synod of Northern Illinois came into the possession in 1852. 
 of Hillsboro College. The school was removed to Springfield and 
 given the ambitious name "Illinois State University." It was a college 
 and theological seminary combined. 
 
 The Norwegian and Swedish congregations soon came to feel 
 that the institution could not supply them with properly trained 
 pastors, unless special provision for this were made. Accordingly a 
 Scandinavian professorship was established, and Rev. I.. P. Esbjorn 
 was elected to take charge. He entered upon his duties in the 
 autumn of 1858. 
 
 The plan, however, did not prove satisfactory, mainly because of 
 a heated doctrinal controversy between "Old" and "New" Lutherans, 
 The Scandinavians were of the "Old" school, i. e. conservative 
 Lutherans, who held to the unaltered Augsburg Confession. Matters 
 were brought to a crisis in the early spring of 1860. Prof. Esbjorn 
 resigned his professorship and removed to Chicago, followed soon 
 afterwards by all but two of the Scandinavian students. 
 
 The Scandinavian Conferences, i. e. the Chicago, Mississippi, and 
 Minnesota Conferences, held a joint meeting in the Immanuel Churc i 
 on Superior Street, April 23 — 27, at which the resignation of Prof. 
 Esbjorn was approved, and a committee was elected to draft a con- 
 stitution for an independent synod. This was the inception of Ih • 
 Augustana Synod, which was organized at Jefferson Prairie, near 
 Clinton, Wisconsin, on June 5th, the same year. A school, with Prof. 
 Esbjorn in charge, was opened in April, and was conducted in the 
 school house belonging to the Immanuel church. This was the lie- 
 ginning of Augustana College and Theological Seminary, now located 
 at Bock Island. 
 
 The Norwegian and Swedish churches were one in the faith anil 
 worked together in amity. However, for practical reasons the Nor- 
 wegians withdrew in 1871) and organized their own synod. The 
 separation was made in a friendly spirit. 
 
 That same year the Augustana Synod joined the General Council, 
 a body of conservative synods, organized in 1867. In 1917 the General 
 Council, the General Synod, and the United Synod of the South. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 15 
 
 joined to form the United Lutheran Church of America. The August- 
 ana Synod at its convention in Minneapolis in 1918, withdrew from 
 the merged body. 
 
 When the Bethel and the Immanuel churches merged in 1918, the 
 Immanuel church, automatically, became a member in the Association 
 of English Churches, an advisory body within the Augustana Synod. 
 
 The Cholera Year. 
 
 The year 1<S.">4 lias been called the "terrible cholera year." It has 
 been estimated that about two thirds of the immigrants who arrived 
 that year perished in the plague. "Many literally walked about iwn\ 
 died. A servant girl would look out through the window and see a 
 hearse driving by, not knowing that the coffin contained the remains 
 of her father or mother. Members of families were buried before the 
 husband or father returned from work in the evening. The sufferings 
 of those who remained or survived can only be imagined. Innumer- 
 able families were scattered. Orphans were sometimes sold as 
 chattels and brought up without knowledge of their origin." 
 
 Immigrants arriving in Chicago were urged to continue on to 
 other places, where the epidemic was less violent. Many lacked the 
 means for further travel and had to remain, most of them only to 
 perish. Great numbers contracted the sickness enroute. In one com- 
 pany there were six dead on arrival at the Michigan Central Station. 
 Seventeen others were ill and were immediately taken to the pest 
 bouse, where about half the number died before the next morning. 
 
 A large company went on toward Chisago Lake, Minnesota, but 
 the majority of them died on the way, and were buried in the sands 
 along the Mississippi River. Many of the bodies were uncovered and 
 devoured by the numerous prairie wolves. 
 
 Another company, which went toward Moline and Hock Island, 
 also bad a most disastrous journey. 
 
 Rev. Carlsson was tireless in his efforts to alleviate the misery 
 both within and without the membership of the church. He allowed 
 himself scarcely any rest, but spent the time from early morning un- 
 til late evening among the sick and dying. About one tenth of the 
 
 communicant members of the Immanuel Church died. The mortality 
 among the children was even greater. Immigration at this time 
 practically ceased. 
 
 Another Hard Year 
 
 In the year 1857 a financial crisis caused the collapse of nearly 
 all the banks and threw almost all hands out of employment. Main- 
 left town and wandered out into the country, where they tried to 
 sustain themselves by planting potatoes and corn, here and there, 
 wherever space was available. Numerous of these people were mem- 
 bers of the Immanuel Church. Times had been hard enough previous 
 to this. For instance, upwards to the year 1854 men worked for 
 fifty cents a day, and women took in washing for ten to twenty-five 
 cents a day, while flour cost seven dollars a barrel and rent, for five 
 or six poor rooms, was twenty dollars a month. It is reported that 
 the scarcity of money in the year of the crisis was so great that in 
 parts of Minnesota muskrat skins were used as currency. Again 
 immigration was greatly affected, scarcely any new-comers arriving. 
 
 The number of the congregation's communicant members at this 
 time was 204. The free-will gifts contributed towards the pastor's 
 support amounted in 1854 to $116, in 1855 to $180, and in 1850 to *240. 
 At the annual meeting in 1857 the congregation, for the first time, 
 voted the pastor a fixed salary. The amount was set at $350. 
 
 The First Church 
 
 We have noted that the church building on Superior Street was 
 started by a group of Scandinavians which soon disbanded. We have 
 noted, also, that the building later was purchased and completed by 
 the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation. By the courtesy of the Nor- 
 wegians the Immanuel congregation at first shared in the use of this 
 building, paying only for light and heat. The services of the Im- 
 manuel congregation were then held each Sunday afternoon and Fri- 
 day evening. Such an arrangement could, of course, be only tempo- 
 rary. The Norwegian congregation was growing and desired a Larger 
 church. The Immanuel congregation needed a sanctuary of its own. 
 
 At a meeting held on October 24, 1854, the trustees of the Im- 
 
16 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 raanuel congregation were authorized to purchase I In- Superior Street 
 property. The price agreed on was $1,500 for the lot and building and 
 $75 for the furnishings. The adjoining lot was purchased for a sum 
 of $900. Some repairs were necessary. The whole transaction cost 
 s2.7H2.7r>. 
 
 In 1859 the building was lilted ten feet and a basement was put 
 under it. This was a good investment. The pastor was provided with 
 an office, three rooms were rented as living quarters, and two rooms 
 were taken possession of by the Swedish Lutheran Publication 
 Society. The society continued to occupy these rooms no iess than 
 ten years. Here we find the earliest beginning of the present great 
 publication business of the Augustana Synod, known as the Augustana 
 Hook Concern, now located at Hock Island. It is also the earliest 
 beginning of the Swedish press in America. In time, the rentals 
 received on the basement netted a sum considerably larger than tiie 
 cost of construction. 
 
 Rapid Growth 
 
 In 1<S(i() the congregation numbered 22(1 communicants. By 1865 
 the number of communicants reached .")2.">. During the fall of the 
 latter year, no less than seventy communicants joined at one single 
 reception. 
 
 The civil war had broken out in 1861, and the reaction of that 
 terrible conflict in the Northern States was increased prices on com- 
 modities, and increased wages for labor of all kinds, with resulting 
 general prosperity. The good times attracted multitudes of new 
 citizens to our shores. It might he added that the members of the 
 Immanuel Chinch, together with all other good citizens in those days. 
 did their patriotic duty. Quite a number of the men served under 
 
 the colors. 
 
 The church building now became loo small to accommodate the 
 worshippers. In 1865 twenty feet were added to its length. At the 
 completion of this enlargement the congregation had a debt of 
 $2,398.54. The building could he enlarged no further but it was still 
 loo small. Other measures must be taken. 
 
 The Salem Church Organized 
 
 Quite a numebr of the Swedish immigrants made their homes on 
 the South Side. To relieve the growing congestion at the church it 
 was decided to conduct services at some point in that section of the 
 city. This was in February, 1866. Mr. P. Erikson, a theologii a] 
 student, was called to assist the pastor. From then on. services were 
 held simultaneously in the church and on the South Side. This was 
 the origin of the Salem congregation, which organized as an inde- 
 pendent church in 1868. The Immanuel church purchased three lots 
 on the South Side, at a cost to itself of $1,000, and made them an out- 
 right parting gift to the Salem church. 
 
 The number of communicants that withdrew, to become members 
 of the Salem Church, was quite large. None-the-less, when their 
 names had been substracted. the Immanuel Church could still claim 
 1,020 communicants. 
 
 One of the members, who left to become a charter member of the 
 Salem Church, Mr. Martin A. Lindberg, rejoined the Emmanuel Church, 
 December 12, 1920. He served the Salem Church well for fifty-two 
 years, most of the time as a trustee, and for main years as the church 
 treasurer. He was horn in Sweden, November 17. 1 s:i.S. Though 
 somewhat enfeebled by age. he still takes a keen interest in all thai 
 transpires in the church. 
 
 New Lots Purchased 
 
 At the annual meeting on Jan. 27. LSli.S. the Hoard of Administra- 
 tion submitted a report stating that the church building was large 
 enough for only one half of the membership, and in consequence there 
 was such crowding that it was not only difficult to conduct the si rvi- 
 ces, with decorum, hut it was even injurious to the health of the 
 worshippers. 
 
 A committee was elected to find a suitable location for a new 
 church. The committee was ready to report on February 24th. Three 
 sites were available. After a lengthy discussion the southwest 
 corner of Sedgwick and Ilobbie Streets was chosen. Some thought 
 the location was too far north, but they were won over h\ the argu- 
 ment that a congregation would eventually be organized on the West 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 17 
 
 THE C.HLIU'.II IN RUINS 
 
 side, and the [mnianuel Church in locating on the north, would avoid 
 future friction. The vote was unanimous. The ground purchased 
 was 75x130 feet. The price of purchase was $7,000. 
 
 The Gethsemane Church 
 
 About two years later, or on May 15, 187(1, a new congregation was 
 organized. The name Gethsemane was chosen. Those who con- 
 templated the organization petitioned the Immanuel Church for the 
 use of the old building on Superior Street. The petition was kindly 
 received, and the request granted. After the Chicago fire the Gethse- 
 mane Congregation located at the corner of May and Huron Streets, 
 becoming the first West Side church of the Augustana Synod. Rev. 
 Peter Erickson was the first pastor. 
 
 A New Sanctuary 
 
 One year following the purchase of the new lots, the [mnianuel 
 Congregation was ready to proceed with the construction of a larger 
 sanctuary. A building committee, consisting of the Board of Admini- 
 stration (ten deacons and six trustees) together with twelve others, 
 was elected at the annual meeting on January 1, 1869. The meeting 
 stipulated that the church must have a basement and be a brick 
 structure. The committee was requested to have general plans ready 
 by February 4th. 
 
 At the February meeting the plans submitted provided that the 
 building was to be 08 by 118 feet, and have a steeple 1T>4 feet high. 
 The committee was ordered to proceed with the construction, and all 
 the details were left to its discretion. Consul P. L. Hawkinson was 
 made the treasurer of the building fund. 
 
 Building was started on April 14th, the corner stone was laid on 
 May 23rd, the first service in the building was held on October 31st, 
 and dedication took place on November 7th. The cost of the building 
 exceeded somewhat the sum of $34,000. 
 
 On November 7th the congregation gathered in the old church on 
 Superior Street at 8:30 A.M. An impressive farewell service was held. 
 Then a procession was formed, led by the pastor and the deacons 
 bearing the communion service and the church Bible. The new 
 church was entered and a stately service of dedication took place. 
 The following widely known names appear on the program: Prof. T. 
 N. Hasselquist, Dr. C. P. Krauth, Prof. II. W. Both, and Dr. J. A. Seiss. 
 Dr. Hasselquist was also present at the corner-stone laying. On the 
 program with him at that time were Dr. G. Peters "the apostle of 
 Bockford," and Dr. S. L. Harkey. 
 
 The new sanctuary was the largest and most imposing owned, at 
 that time, by any Augustana Synod congregation. It excited the 
 enthusiastic admiration of the delegates to the General Council, which 
 held a convention there a few days before the service of dedication. 
 But it was none too spacious for the throng of worshippers. The 
 Lord blessed the preaching of the Gospel in a singular manner, and 
 a great spiritual revival resulted. Large numbers were brought to 
 the feet of Christ in penitence and faith. 
 
18 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Everything now looked promising. The pastor and the congrega- 
 tion anticipated the future with joy. Only our thing caused concern. 
 A debl of $22,600 rested on the property. At the annual meeting, on 
 January 1, 1871, it was decided to take steps to reduce the debt 
 during the coining fall. To make plans for tins the Board of Admini- 
 Station was called to a special meeting to be held on Monday evening, 
 October Dili. That meeting was never held. Times of severest trial 
 were to descend on the Immanuel Congregation and the city of 
 Chicago. 
 
 The Chicago Fire 
 
 Sunday evening, October 8th, the pastor preached to a full house. 
 On the way home from chinch a ruddy color in the sky to the south 
 was noticed. There was also a persistent clamor of fire alarms. But 
 no one was worried. However, before the dawn of the next morning 
 thi' larger part of Chicago was in ashes, and the lire was sweeping 
 northward with terrific fury. The pastor and Mrs. Carlsson, with 
 a few of the members, were at the church when it caught on fire, but 
 so quickly did the flames do their work, that nothing of value, except 
 the church records, could be saved. It is reported that the parochial 
 school teacher, now the aged Dr. A. 1'. Monten, loaded the church 
 records on a push-carl and conveyed them to the West Side, beyond 
 the reach of the flames. The buildings on Superior Street were also 
 completely destroyed. 
 
 Nine tenths of the congregation's members were burned out. To 
 be sure most of them were renters, but the general effects of the 
 catastrophe were such, thai greal numbers were reduced to poverty. 
 The condition of some became pitiable. Many left the city to begin 
 life anew in other parts. 
 
 A Crisis 
 
 In the midsl of all the confusion Rev. Carlsson managed, somehow, 
 lo gather his people for a service in the Norwegian Trinity Church, 
 on the afternoon of the next Sunday, October 15th. At this time it 
 was announced thai the following Sunday afternoon a business meet- 
 ing of the congregation would be held. 
 
 The Board of Administration met the next day, October Kith. The 
 
 situation was carefully surveyed. The company in which the old 
 church was insured had gone bankrupt. The prospect of collecting 
 anything on the $10,000 policy held on that property was very slender. 
 (Eventually $428 were realized). There was in reality no insurance 
 on the new church, because the provision made for this would, under 
 the circumstances, not be recognized. The members could only with 
 difficulty procure needed food and shelter. No wonder the situation 
 to some seemed utterly hopeless. 
 
 A motion was made that the congregation declare itself bankrupt, 
 let the creditors take what they could, and then reorganize. Against 
 this the pastor took a firm stand. "If you intend to go into bank- 
 ruptcy," he declared, "I will no longer be your pastor. But if you 
 will he honest and put your trust in the Lord, I will do ni\ utmost 
 that we may both get a new church, and pay our debt." 
 
 The pastor's attitude met with favor, and after further discussion 
 and prayer the following resolution was adopted: "'the Immanuel con- 
 gregation will, in the Name of .lesus, continue its existence and work 
 under its legal name, constitution and incorporation, and with the 
 help of God, pay its debt honestly to the last cent." 
 
 At the meeting of the congregation on Sundaj afternoon, October 
 22nd, it became evident that the resolution passed by the Board voiced 
 the general opinion of the church members. When the resolution had 
 been duly presented all present, men, women, and children, rose to 
 their feet with one impulse to vote approval. It has been said, truly. 
 that this was the most exalted moment in the history of the Inunanucl 
 Church. 
 
 Clearing Away the Debris 
 
 The next morning. Monday, October 2!5rd. the congregation proved 
 its sincerity. By nine o'clock a large crowd was assembled at the 
 ruins of the church. With Rev. Carlsson's wagon taking the place of 
 a pulpit, a brief service was held. The speakers were: Rev. .1. 1'. Ny- 
 quist, pastor of the Salem Church, Dr. W. A. Passavant, and Rev. 
 Carlsson. Dr. Passavant had also spoken the previous afternoon. 
 The service closed with the hearty singing of the last verse of Luther's 
 hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 19 
 
 THE PRESENT CHURCH 
 AT SEDGWICK AND HOBBIE STREETS 
 
 INTERIOR 01- llll. PRESENT CHURCH 
 AT SEDGWICK AM) HOBBIE STRE1 is 
 
20 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Then all went to work, lustily, to clear away the debris. Once 
 more men, women, and children took part. The bricks that could be 
 used again were cleaned and stacked in piles. All useable iron ma- 
 terial was also laid by. There are a number of members still active 
 iu the church, who shared in those labors. 
 
 Building on the Ruins 
 
 A great task now confronted the congregation. It was courage- 
 ously taken in hand at the next annual meeting, January 1, 1872. Rev. 
 S. P. A. Lindahl was engaged to assist in the pulpit and pastoral work, 
 so that Rev. Carlsson might give his time to the ingathering of funds. 
 It was decided to begin building as soon as $10,000 had been collected. 
 A building committee was elected, again consisting of the Board of 
 Administration with twelve Others. Again the committee was given 
 practically unlimited powers. Except for a detail here and tnere, 
 the plans and specifications were a duplication of the previous 
 building. 
 
 Building began on .Inly 5th, Hie corner stone was laid on August 
 4th, and the first service was held early on Christmas morning. The 
 church was not furnished when this service was held, planks were 
 used instead of pews, and there was no organ. The singing was led 
 by a cornet band under the direction of Mr. L. E. Lindberg. 
 
 In the meantime Rev. Carlsson had visited a number of Augast- 
 ana Synod Churches and several English and German speaking 
 churches in Pittsburg, Philadelphia, and New York. He also wont 
 across the waters to Sweden in 187.'*, and by the king's direction re- 
 ceived offerings in the churches of that country. Within the Im- 
 manuel Church itself an almost unbelievcably Large sum had been 
 contributed. 
 
 The building treasurer's book shows the following figures: 
 
 Within the congregation $17,633.05 
 
 From other Augustana Churches 4,177.64 
 
 From English and German Luth. Churches 9,429.61 
 
 From Sweden 2,!)54.4f) 
 
 Special gifts and offerings 3, 34'.). (ill 
 
 The church completed for dedication cost $31,845.68. It had then 
 neither steeple, organ, nor bells. As the funds gathered exceeded the 
 cost by $5,698.73, this amount was applied on the debt. 
 
 The service of dedication was held on April 4, 187."). At that 
 service a new pastor, Rev. C. A. Evald, was installed. 
 
 The congregation, that year, reported a total communicant mem- 
 bership of 1,446. It was, at the time, the largest and most active 
 church in the Augustana Synod. 
 
 Total *:<7,a44.41 
 
 SAMl I.I WM.ItSON 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 21 
 
 A Remarkable Lay Leader 
 
 One of the members on the building committee was a remarkable 
 man who for many subsequent years played an important part in the 
 Immanuel church, and in time became widely known throughout the 
 synod. This man was Mr. Samuel Anderson. He was born in Landa 
 parish, Halland, Sweden, August 14, 1840, and came to Chicago in 1870. 
 He was at first employed as a carpenter, but later he invented a 
 process for the manufacture of margarine, which in time brought him 
 financial independence. He consecrated his money to the Lord, 
 giving liberally to the support of the church and other benevolent 
 purposes. 
 
 He served as a deacon for thirty-two consecutive years. He was 
 a leading member in the Tract Society, and in connection with the 
 work of that organization, was instrumental in founding Sunday 
 Schools in Lake View, Humboldt Park, and in the southwest. These 
 schools eventually developed into the Trinity, Saron, and Zion con- 
 gregations. Many have followed his example in similar home mission 
 endeavors, with blessed results for many other communities in our 
 city. 
 
 From 188(i until his death Mr. Anderson was a member of the 
 Augustana Hospital board. He served many years on the board of 
 Augustana College. He was also for a long time a member of the 
 Executive Committee of the Illinois Conference. 
 
 By nature Mr. Anderson was impulsive and big-hearted. By grace 
 he became devout ami consecrated. Although in his business an exe- 
 cutive with many men under his direction, and a leader of prominence 
 in the church, he was always a man of marked humility. He made 
 many trips to the county institutions of charity, and visited the sick 
 and unfortunate in person, that he might speak to them of things 
 spiritual, and distribute temporal cheer with a lavish hand. He be- 
 friended many an immigrant on his arrival, and helped him on to 
 economic success. 
 
 He was deeply devoted to his pastor. Dr. Evald, on his part, 
 often spoke of Mr. Anderson as bis "Jonathan." 
 
 Mr. Anderson departed this life in lilll at an age of seventy- 
 one years. 
 
 Dr. Erland Carlsson 
 
 We have noted that the years during which Dr. Erland Carlsson 
 was the pastor, were years of unprecedented growth and develop- 
 ment. We quote the following from the pen of Dr. W. A. Passavant, 
 written in 18(54: "The amount of good which has been accomplished 
 through the establishment of this church cannot be estimated. 
 Thousands upon thousands of Swedish immigrants have passed 
 through Chicago and have received counsel, assistance, and spiritual 
 direction for their new and untried American life. - - Discarding 
 all modern methods of getting up excitements or helping on the work 
 of the Holy Spirit by human means and expedients, apart from the 
 means of grace revealed in the Word, this church has enjoyed a con- 
 tinued awakening or revival from its commencement, and great has 
 been the ingathering of souls. It may almost be said of it, as of the 
 one in Jerusalem, 'The Lord added to the church daily those that 
 were saved.' " 
 
 In addition to the great work on the local field, Dr. Carlsson found 
 it possible to engage in a vast home mission program. We quote the 
 following from an address by Rev. E. K. Jonson, delivered at the 
 congregation's sixtieth anniversary celebration: "From this congrega- 
 tion came the three churches of the city, which later branched out 
 into the three Chicago districts, with their forty-four congregations. 
 While serving here Rev. Carlsson organized the congregations which 
 became the start of the large Minnesota Conference, namely, the con- 
 gregations in St. Paul, Chisago Lake, Marine Mills, etc. To the west 
 he served the congregations in Pecatonica, Rockford, Elgin, St. 
 Charles, and Geneva. To the east be visited and organized congrega- 
 tions in Indiana, going even as far as New York City, where he or- 
 ganized the Gustaf Adolf's Church. — He also preached in several 
 places in Wisconsin and Michigan." 
 
 Dr. Erland Carlsson was born in the village of Sullertorp, the 
 Alghult parish, Smaland, Sweden, August 24, 1822. His parents were 
 of the peasantry. They were poor but pious folk, who reared 
 their son in the fear and admonition of the Lord. The father died 
 when the son was but ten years of age. The spiritual experience 
 made at the time of his confirmation quickened in Dr. Carlsson the 
 desire to become a pastor. He completed his college course in 1844, 
 
\l (.1 STANA COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 23 
 
 and his theological course in 1848. He was ordained in the Vaxjo 
 Cathedral June 10, 184!). 
 
 Because of his consecration, and the power of his message, he 
 soon made himself felt. This was a time of spiritual refreshing in 
 all parts of Sweden. Some of the leaders in the church were not 
 friendly to this manifestation. They called it "pietism" and "fanati- 
 cism." They were afraid the common people would become "too 
 religious." Dr. Carlsson before long drew their attention. They took 
 petty measures against him, but the people held him in even greater 
 esteem, and gave him a still more responsive hearing. 
 
 The attitude of the church leaders no doubt in a measure was the 
 cause of his accepting the call from Chicago. But only in a measure, 
 for the real cause lay deeper. As we have seen he was filled with in- 
 tense missionary zeal. 
 
 After twenty-two years of service Dr. Carlsson did not leave the 
 Immanuel Church because he wished to, nor because of any desire 
 in that direction on the congregation's part. He was in need of a 
 change on account of his health. He moved to Andover, and served 
 the church there from 187.") to 1887. He then moved to Hock Island 
 to become the manager of Augustana College and Theological Semi- 
 nary. Here he continued until 188!) when he retired, making his 
 home on an estate near Lindsborg, Kansas. 
 
 In the church at large, Dr. Carlsson occupied a prominent place. 
 He was president of the Illinois Conference for many years, and pre- 
 sident of the Augustana Synod 1881 — 1887. He held many other im- 
 portant positions of trust, but his greatest efforts were perhaps given 
 to the upbuilding of the orphan home in Andover, and Augustana 
 Hospital in Chicago. 
 
 He died on October 1!). 1893, in the home of his son-in-law and 
 daughter, Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Evald. His grave in the Graceland Ceme- 
 tery is marked by a stone erected by the Immanuel Congregation 
 in 18!)7. 
 
 Church Decorum 
 
 Some of the founders of the Augustana Synod were at first rather 
 loose in regard to church order. They put aside the clerical garb and 
 the church book, and in a few instances, even kept no church register. 
 This attitude was assumed as the part of good policy in deference to 
 
 DR. GUSTAV A. ANDREEN 
 President of Augustana College 
 
24 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 -Ton ■inn ji 
 
 n^nn n W 
 
 AUGUSTANA HOSPITAL 
 
 the scruples of some honest, but legalistic, folks, who disliked the 
 regulations and practices of the State Church of Sweden, and re- 
 belled against the introduction of anything similar into the churches 
 of this country. Dr. Carlsson took a different stand. He believed that 
 a church service should be conducted with order and dignity. He did 
 yield on some minor points, but he wore the customary clerical coat 
 and bands, and used the church book, both for pastoral acts, and in 
 the main, at public worship. He also insisted on a well kept register 
 of members. Gradually others began to follow the same policy. In 
 the Immanuel Church the good order thus introduced has continued, 
 and the resulting dignity and stability has not been without its good 
 fruits. 
 
 Church Music and the Choir 
 
 The first director of music was Mr. C. J. Anderson, the man who. 
 together with Dr. Carlsson, represented the congregation at the con- 
 vention of the Synod of Northern Illinois in 1853. The church had 
 no organ, and Mr. Anderson's duty consisted in leading the congrega- 
 tion, as best he could, in the singing. Among the many who have 
 since directed the musical part of the services may be mentioned 
 Oliver Larson, Jonas Engberg, L. E. Lindberg, Jos. E. Osborn, K. 
 Sandquist, A. B. Olson, .1. F. Ring. 
 
 Mr. Emil Larson was elected in 1N<S5 and served to LSilT. a period of 
 twelve years. He was succeeded by Mr. R. Olson, who in turn was 
 succeeded by Mr. A. 0. T. Astenius. In 1901 a special committee, to 
 have charge of all matters pertaining to the music of the church, was 
 appointed by the Board of Administration. The action of the Hoard 
 was sanctioned by the annual meeting of the church. The committee 
 secured the services again of Mr. Emil Larson. Mr. Larson continued 
 through the jubilee year 1903, later going to Rock Island as head of 
 the conservatory of music at Augustana College. He was followed, 
 in the Immanuel Church, by Mr. A. Alfred Holmes, who staved as 
 organist and choir director for about twenty-one years, or until 
 November 1, 1025. The present organist and choir director, Mr. Car! 
 W. Broman, took charge in February, 1!)2(>. 
 
 The church choir in its present organization has a history of 
 about forty-four years. Previous to the time of its organization there 
 had been choir singing at the services, but with considerable irregu- 
 larity. The present choir was organized January 2, LSS4. with a mem- 
 bership of forty-one. Mrs. Emmy Eva Id was the first leader. Among 
 the others who have directed the choir are: Lilljeblad, V. J. Tengwald. 
 J. L. Swenson, Sam. E. Carlson, Chas.,Dahlen. 
 
 The choir has at the present time a membership of fifty-seven. 
 Thi' president is Mr. Oscar F. Johnson. Under Mr. Broman's able 
 leadership the choir does very effective work at the Sunday morning 
 worship by the rendition of special numbers, and in the leading of 
 the congregation's singing of hymns and the liturgical parts of the 
 service. There is at present also the Girl's Junior Choir, which sim;s 
 occasionally at the evening services. 
 
n> a • 
 
 or*. ~> 
 
 r 
 
 
 THE CHURCH CHOIR 
 
26 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Two organizations sonic years back attained ;i wide-spread re- 
 putation. They were the orchestra under Mr. L. E. Lindberg's direc- 
 tion, and the male chorus Lyran. The latter for a period sang, regular- 
 ly, at the morning services, the fourth Sunday of each month. 
 
 In 1900 a vesper choir was organized by Mrs. Evald. It was under 
 the leadership of such men as Carl Engstrom, Emil Lundgren, Skold 
 Liljenstolpe. In 1917 Mr. Sam. L. Anderson became the leader. He 
 was followed by Mr. George II. Nelson. The choir disbanded in 1920. 
 
 The Influence of Prayer Meetings 
 
 Prayer meetings have throughout the years been given an im- 
 portant place on the Immanuel program, and at times their influence 
 has been very marked. The great spiritual outpourings of Dr. Carls- 
 son's pastorate, of which there were special manifestations in the 
 years 1 <S.">7, 1858, and 1 870 stood in direct relation to these gatherings. 
 It is significant, too, that in times of greatest refreshing the prayer 
 meetings were crowded with young people. The same was the case 
 while Dr. Evald was the pastor. The prayer-week observed at the 
 beginning of the year sometimes developed into a season of prayer 
 services with meetings every evening and lasting for many weeks. 
 
 Dr. Evald writes in "Minnes-Skrift" about as follows: "At these 
 services no artifical means what-so-ever arc used, but each evening 
 a sermon is firs! preached in the church auditorium by the pastor or 
 his assistant, after which several hundred assemble in the basement 
 chapel, where a brief meditation is conducted by the preacher who 
 has not yet spoken. Thereupon the deacons and other spiritual men 
 give brief exhortations, interspersed with singing and prayer, basing 
 their remarks on some passage of Scripture. When this second serv- 
 ice is ended it often happens that a third and even a fourth will fol- 
 low. These latter services arc of a more private nature, a smaller or 
 larger number voluntarily remaining for consultation and prayer 
 with the pastor or other Christians. From these moments many a 
 one counts the beginning of a life of faith in Jesus Christ the Son of 
 God." He adds that the constant communion with God, in a right use 
 of the Means of Grace the year around, is the soil from which such 
 special services with their blessed experiences, spring forth. 
 
 There is still in the Immanuel Church the faithful prayer-meet- 
 ing group, but it has become quite small. Would that God might lead 
 us back to the faith and consecration of former years! 
 
 The Week Day Parish School 
 
 The Lutheran Church is a teaching church, and one of her main 
 sources of strength is the thorough indoctrination of the young. This 
 was realized, in the Immanuel congregation from the beginning. Only 
 six weeks after Dr. Carlsson's arrival a parish week day school was 
 started. The first teacher was Erik Norelius, later for main years 
 the president of the Augustana Synod. He was followed by A. An- 
 dreen, the father of Dr. Gustav Andreen, president of Augustana Col- 
 lege and Theological Seminary. 
 
 The first school house was built, at the rear of the church, in 
 1850. It was a two-story building, the ground dimensions being 
 24x32 feet. The upper story was rented for residence purposes, only 
 the first being used by the school. In this building the Augustana 
 Seminary was housed the first three years of its existence. 
 
 At one time the plans for the parish school were quite ambitious. 
 Swedish, English, history, geography, some of the elementary sciences, 
 and music were taught. In fact the aim was to make it a fullblown 
 grammar school. There was a faculty of three teachers. .1. F. Ring, 
 Emmy Carlsson, now Mrs. Emmy Evald, and C. .1. Blomstrom. 
 
 Among other full time teachers are noticed such names as A. P. 
 Monten, A. P. Lindstrom, V. Tengwald, all later pastors, and Rev. .1. 
 Mellander, who served several years as the regular associate pastor. 
 During Dr. Monten's time the school was removed to the new church 
 on Sedgwick and Hobbie Streets, and located in the church basement. 
 
 Gradually the school went back to' its original character, being in 
 session only during a few weeks of the summer. The teachers were 
 mostly students from Rock Island, and the deaconesses serving in the 
 church. 
 
 At present the school is conducted on Saturday forenoons, during 
 the winter season. Since only Christianity is taught, it has been 
 called the Saturday Bible School. Miss lulla Maguey, the parish sec- 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 27 
 
 THE SATURDAY BIBLE SCHOOL 
 
 retary, is in charge 
 excellent quarters, 
 five pupils. 
 
 In the new parish house the school has most 
 Last year there was an enrollment of seventy- 
 
 The First Sunday School 
 
 The Immanuel Sunday School goes hack to the days before the 
 congregation was organized. The first traces are found in 1850. At 
 that time it was conducted together with the Norwegian Sunday 
 School. Among the teachers was the now world famous Dr. I). L. 
 .Moody. 
 
 When the Immanuel congregation secured its own sanctuary the 
 
 Sunday School was separated from the Norwegian School. Dr. Carls- 
 son was the first superintendent. Among other superintendents 
 during the first years, we find P. Erickson, A. .1. Lindstrom, Prof. L. 
 P. Esbjorn. 
 
 For many years the English language was used exclusively. The 
 parents of those days felt that since the language of the country was 
 English, it was well that their children should receive religious train 
 ing in that language. With the great influx of immigrants at a later 
 period this attitude was modified. Swedish classes were organized, 
 and the general exercises, for a time, were conducted in that language. 
 But there were always many English classes in the school and at one 
 
THE SI \l» U SC.1IOOF. 
 
THE SLNDAV SCHOOL (Continued) 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 31 
 
 time an exclusively English department, which met on Sunday after- 
 noons, was organized under Mrs. E. W. Lindeen's direction. In using 
 only English today, we have gone hack to the original position taken 
 by the founders of the church. 
 
 Bible Classes 
 
 To keep young men and women active in the church the first few 
 years after their confirmation, will always he a problem. To meet 
 this the Immanuel congregation, at an early date, established English 
 Bible Classes. The records make special mention of a class of young 
 women, numbering about fifty, taught by Mrs. Annie Evald. The 
 young men were at that time taught by Mr. Henry Schreils. 
 
 The most flourishing period of the Bible Class department was 
 between the years 1883 and 11)11). Eor a time there were three promi- 
 nent classes known as "Mrs. Emmy Evald's," "Mrs. Mary Mellander's," 
 and "Dr. C. A. Evald's" Bible classes. In them a large number of 
 young people were instructed and kept busy with church work. It is 
 reported, that when they occasionally held some special meeting in 
 common, as many as four hundred might be in attendance. Each 
 class had its own organization and functioned very much as a well 
 regulated Luther League ought to function. Beside the Bible study 
 hour there was other activity, such as visiting the sick and poor, 
 especially at various institutions of charity, the support of Home and 
 Foreign Missions, and the gathering of money for local church 
 support. Sociability was also a laudable part of the program. There- 
 by the demands for companionship, normal to young men and women, 
 were met in a wholesome way, and friendships were formed, which 
 later became the foundation of many of the best homes now connected 
 with the church. The need for English in the church was also met, 
 at least in part. 
 
 Mrs. Evald's class was the oldest and largest. Mrs. Evald organ- 
 ized this class in 1883, and continued to be its teacher until DO!). Mrs. 
 Mellander's class was organized in 1890. The confirmation classes of 
 1885 and 1886 were organized into one Bible Class, and a little later 
 united with a class of girls taught by Mr. Floreen. Mr. John Block, 
 now a member of the Messiah Church in Lake View, became the 
 teacher of the united class, and continued in this capacity until 1893. 
 
 After that there were several teachers until in 1900, when Dr. Evald 
 took the class under his care. Other duties hindered him from teach- 
 ing regularly, but the class, after this, carried his name. As a rule, 
 tbi' active teachers were the student pastors employed by the church. 
 
 A union of the classes into one English Bible Class took place in 
 1910. After the merger of the Bethel and Immanuel congregations, 
 the class met in the Bethel Chapel, under the auspices of the Luther 
 League, and was taught by the present pastor. It continued for a 
 while in the present location, being taught by Miss Edla Maguey, but 
 gradually it was absorbed into the regular Sunday School or- 
 ganization. 
 
 Other Bible classes came into being from time to time. Thus 
 many years ago a Swedish class for older people, was organized. 
 When the merger took place this class was in a flourishing condition, 
 which is shown by the fact that it was able to contribute no less than 
 $500 to the building fund. Meetings were held for a time in the new 
 location, but because of the language used, and for other reasons, it 
 could not readily be transplanted. A continuation of the class now 
 forms one of the elements of strength in the Central Congregation 
 on the old field. 
 
 Bible classes are still continued but are now directly a part of 
 the Sunday School. At the present time there are three, two for the 
 young men and one for the young women. The men's classes are 
 taught by Mr. Samuel L. Anderson and Mr. Stuart Goranson. The 
 young women's class is taught by Miss Magney. The young people's 
 activities formerly belonging to the Bible Classes are now taken care 
 of by the Luther League, which was organized September 15, 1914. 
 
 Other Sunday School Departments 
 
 A Home Department was organized in 191)2. Sister Tillie Jones, 
 while serving the congregation as its deaconess, was in charge. After 
 she left the work fell to Mrs. Melinda Banks. Mrs. Banks was one 
 of the most active members of recent years. She took part in many 
 branches of religious work, within and without the congregation, but 
 her greatest service was given to the old, and sick, and poor on the 
 local field. She combined her efforts in the Home Department witb 
 the work of the Tract Society of which she was the secretary. She 
 
32 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 was called to her reward July 14, 11)25, a little more than fifty-four 
 years of age. Other hands have now taken up her labors, and the 
 local charity work has steadily increased in recent years. The Home 
 Departra< nl, as a special department of the Sunday School, has been 
 discontinued. It was found more practical to do the work in other 
 \\ aj s. 
 
 The Cradle Holl Department was also organized in 1902. At the 
 present time this department is very efficiently conducted by Mrs. N. 
 P. Nelson. 
 
 The school has an excellent Primary Department. The present 
 superintendent is Miss Lillian Ericsson. She brings into the work the 
 results of her specialized training in teaching, a warm love for little 
 children, and a devout heart. The Primary Department was organized 
 by Mrs. Mary Mellander in 1894. Mrs. Emmy Evald had charge for 
 many years, being elected in 1897. 
 
 Sundaj School teacher's meetings have been held, in one form or 
 another, throughout the years. For the present, monthly meetings are 
 being held in connection with one of the Thursday evening prayer 
 services. The special teacher's training part of the session is in 
 charge of Miss Lillian Ericsson. 
 
 Sunday School Growth 
 
 Up to the fiftieth anniversary the Sunday School kept pretty even 
 pace, in growth, with the congregation. Thus after 1872, in the 
 sanctuary on Sedgwick and Hobbie Streets, the school rapidly attained 
 great proportions. There are no records extant to indicate when 
 the greatest number was reached, but reports have it that at one time 
 the school was rated as the second largest in the Look County Associa- 
 tion. One year no less than 2.2HU Christmas boxes were distributed. 
 In the report for 1902 the total membership is given as 1,525, and the 
 average attendance 813. The financial budget for the years 1880 — 
 11)1)2 reached a total of $20,050. 
 
 Battling Against Odds 
 
 The years that followed the fiftieth anniversary became more 
 and more difficult. The members were moving away from the neigh- 
 borhood of the church, into more or less distant parts of the city, and 
 
 the children, in many cases, were joining Sunday Schools nearer 
 home. One of the causes for the migration was that facilities for 
 transportation were being greatly improved, through the use of 
 electrical power on the street cars, and later, the use of automobiles, 
 so that it was unnecessary, for convenience to one's work, to con- 
 tinue living in the congested districts. Another cause was the great 
 influx of immigrants, from southern Europe, with standards of living 
 not congenial to those of Nordic stock. The newcomers were of the 
 Roman Catholic faith, and were cared for by that denomination. 
 
 The church suffered through the Sunday School. When the 
 children became of an age for confirmation, they frequently went to 
 the nearest church, where they had already formed attachments in the 
 Sunday School. Frequently the parents, not wishing the family to be 
 divided, followed the children. The resulting depletion in the church 
 membership did not become immediately apparent, because tiie re- 
 nown and prestige of the Immanuel congregation made it a center of 
 attraction to those arriving in the city from other parts of the synod, 
 and from across the waters. 
 
 Dr. Evald. however, was awake to the situation, lb 1 writes in 
 "Minnes-Skrift" : "As matters have been shaping themselves the List 
 few years, a chattel ought to be built in another section of the city, 
 where a large number of the members now reside." 
 
 The rapidity with which the school, in spite of heroic efforts to 
 stem the tide, kept losing ground, is indicated by the following figures: 
 the average attendance in li)l)2, we have noted, was 813; in 19(1.') it 
 had gone down to 7(i(); in 11)11) to 390; in 1918, the year of the merger. 
 to 22a. In 1922, when the congregation turned over the old church 
 and field to the Illinois Conference, the enrollment, on that field, was 
 about 11(0. Being desirous that this number, as far as possible, might 
 he conserved, the school, then established in its present location left 
 the assistant superintendent, Mr. George II. Nelson, in charge. He 
 served until a permanent pastor had come to the field. 
 
 Tlii' figures quoted indicate that the merger came at an opportune 
 time. In the year 1922 the school which met in the Bethel Chapel, 
 numbered 21'),"). The enrollment of the present school as reported in 
 1926 was :S7(i. 
 
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND OFFICERS 1927 
 
J 111-: CRADLE ROLL L927 MRS. X. P. NELSON, Superintendent 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 35 
 
 Organization and Officers 
 
 From the beginning until the year 1920 the Sunday Sehool func- 
 tioned as an independent organization, electing its own teachers and 
 officers, deciding upon the lesson material and reporting directly to 
 the congregation. The relation of the school to the Board of Deacons 
 was, however, always cordial. In 1!)2() it was thought best to obey the 
 letter, as well as the spirit, of the congregation's constitution, and the 
 school was placed directly under the Board of Deacons. The deacons 
 now appoint the staff of workers, all matters pertaining to the general 
 management of the school are referred to them for final decision, and 
 the annual report of the school is received and acted upon by them. 
 
 Mr. .Samuel L. Anderson was the superintendent when the con- 
 gregation took possession of the new field. He also has the distinc- 
 tion of having served for a longer period than any other superinten- 
 dent. He was the successor to a long line of capable and consecrated 
 men. Those who served as superintendents for a period of five years 
 or more, are: John A. Block, Rev. J. Mellander, Fred F. Hallberg and 
 (i. A. (). Engstrom. Mr. Anderson was elected in 1913 and served un- 
 til l!)2(i, when he was succeeded by the present superintendent, Mr. 
 George 11. Nelson. 
 
 When the merger took place there were two men with unique 
 records of service, in the corps of workers, viz. Herman M. Thorsson 
 and Andrew Thelander. Both have now gone to their reward. Mr. 
 Thorsson served the school for twenty-seven years, as the secretary, 
 being first elected in lcXD.'i. He and the school became widely known 
 through the "Thorsson System of Record Cards," which he originated. 
 Mi'. Thelander was the school's treasurer for thirty-three years. He 
 was first elected in 1890. 
 
 The present secretary is Mr. C. F. Peterson. He is one of the 
 pioneers of the Bethel Church. He has served as secretary of the Im- 
 manuel Sunday School since 1920. The treasurer's office is filled 
 by Mr. Stuart Goranson, elected in 1923. He has also a good record 
 from Bethel days. Both of these men are members of the Board of 
 Deacons. 
 
 Confirmation 
 
 In her system of catechetical instruction, followed by the rite of 
 confirmation, the Lutheran Church has a means, of exceptional merit, 
 
 for the ingathering and fostering of an intelligent and consecrated 
 membership. The Immanuel Church, like all pioneer Lutheran 
 churches, used this method from the first, in spite of attacks by those 
 of looser conceptions, who called it "popish." When we contemplate 
 the throngs that this church has been privileged to instruct in the 
 fundamentals of the Christian faith, and the numbers that have been 
 won for a life of consecration in fellowship with Jesus, we thank 
 God, and pray for grace to continue the work, faithfully, to His glory. 
 Many confirmed here are occupying positions of leadership in our 
 own church, and in other churches in Chicago and throughout the 
 land. Many others have gone to their reward, after lives of usefulness 
 in spiritual service. 
 
 The largest number confirmed, during any one year, was in l!)l)2. 
 That year sixty-eight were confirmed in the English language, and 
 forty-nine in the Swedish, a total of one hundred and seventeen. The 
 second largest year was in 1<S!I7, with a total of ninety-six. The first 
 class was confirmed on April 17, LS54. It had seven members. 
 
 The Annual Reunion. 
 
 In 1903, through the instrumentality of Mrs. Emmy Evald, a re- 
 union of former confirmation classes was held, in connection with 
 the jubilee celebration. A reunion with a large attendance has since 
 been held each year. The sentiments attached to these gatherings 
 are really remarkable. They witness to the deep impressions left 
 on the mind and heart of boys and girls during confirmation days. 
 They witness, as well, to the lasting friendships, which are then 
 formed. 
 
 An individual, who from the first reunion and until 1923 attracted 
 special, kindly attention, was Mrs. Ellen (S. F.) Carlson. She was 
 confirmed in the second class. May 211, 1855. In her prime she was an 
 efficient Sunday School teacher and worker in the chinch. Her hus- 
 band, who died in 1900, was for many years a prominent deacon, and 
 a leader in the Tract Society. This consecrated couple willed their 
 property to the Tract Society, that it might he used in works of 
 charity. 
 
36 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 There are still a number of representatives at the annual re- 
 unions, who were confirmed when the congregation worshipped in 
 thi' edifice on Superior Street. 
 
 The First English Confirmation 
 
 The first English confirmation took place in 18(53. This is how- 
 it came about. In the cholera year, (1854) when so many immigrants 
 died, great numbers of children lost their parents. Many of them 
 were taken in charge by the "Protestant Orphan's Asylum" in Chi- 
 cago, and turned over, practically as chattels, to people in different 
 parts of the country. Under the state laws, those who received them 
 might retain the girls until eighteen, and the boys until twenty-one, 
 years of age. 
 
 Two such children, a brother and sister, had been sent to Sanga- 
 mon County, near Springfield. When they reached the usual age for 
 confirmation, they were seized with a longing to find folks of their 
 own nationality, so that they might be confirmed, as their lather and 
 mother had been. They ran away, but at the station in Chicago, they 
 were apprehended by the police, and returned to their keepers. A 
 while later they ran away again, and now being wiser through their 
 first experience, they left the train before it reached Chicago, making 
 the last miles of the journey on foot. A few other "cholera" orphans, 
 living in Chicago, also desired to be confirmed. All of them had, of 
 course, forgotten the Swedish language. As the pastor did not wish 
 to instruct in both languages, and as the other children about to be 
 confirmed, had no objections, it was decided that all should use 
 English. 
 
 The congregation still has a member on its register from that 
 class, viz.. Miss Anna Elm. She has been eared for, a number of years, 
 by the Immanuel Deaconess Institute at Omaha. 
 
 As far back as forty-five years ago English classes were being 
 confirmed each year. It was not long until the English classes were 
 the larger. After 1916 the designation "English" and "Swedish" 
 (hisses dissapears from the church records. Since 1(11!), instruction 
 has been given exclusively in English. 
 
 MISS ANNA ELM 
 
 Getting Free of Debt 
 
 When Dr. C. A. Evald became the pastor there was a debt on the 
 Immanuel Church property amounting to $21,558. In 1877 a sub- 
 scription was put on. which in pledges amounted to $17,509. ["he 
 time for making payments stretched 'over a live year period. For 
 this, and other reasons, cash was realized so slowly that as it came 
 in, it served to pay hardly more than the accruing interest. After the 
 five >car period, or in 1882, the matter was taken in hand again. This 
 time the whole membership was canvassed by the pastor and Mr. 
 Jakob Soderberg. That the pastor might have lime for the subscrip- 
 tion work, Rev. C. P. Rydholm was called to assist in the pastoral 
 
y 
 
 i ^1 (fuanaclical li»rl)craii?i^ ■ 
 
 M4M 
 
 A 
 
 V 
 
 '• 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Confirmation £lass 1997 
 
 ^ — / 
 
 
 M ■ 
 
 it 
 
 M &) 
 
 m\ a* ts 
 
 
 AUDRtruQtKQtm 
 
 
 1111. 1927 CONFIRMATION CLASS 
 
38 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 This page is gratefully dedicated to our Pastors' wives who have served with lovt 
 and devotion, giving their time and energy to the upbuilding of our church. 
 
 Mils. I.Y \ CHARLOTTA CARLSSON 
 
 MRS. ANNIE EVALD 
 
 mhs. km my i:\.\i.i) 
 
The Si >uy of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 39 
 
 This page is gratefully dedicated to our Pastors' wives who hove served with love 
 and devotion, giving their time and energy to the upbuilding oj our church. 
 
 
 
 r3 jf f fi 
 
 MRS. E. K. JONSON 
 
 MRS. I'ETER I'ETERSOX 
 
 MRS. C. O. RENGTSON 
 
40 
 
 The Story of The Tmmanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 
 r. r 
 
 MI.MIU.Ils SINCE THE sri'KHloli STREET ]>A\N 
 
 duties. The money realized from this canvass, together with a sum 
 of $2,358.30 from old pledges, reduced the debt, by January 1, 1884. 
 In $6,700. In that year a hist effort was made, enthusiasm having been 
 aroused by the promise of a large individual gift, winch promise, bj 
 the way, was never redeemed. By January 1, 188"), the church was 
 free of debt, and a praise service was held on January 18. at which 
 time Dr. Erland Carlsson, Dr. T. N. Hasselquist, and Prof. 0. Olson, 
 were the speakers. 
 
 Dr. Evald's associate in the financial canvass. Mr. Jakob Sodcr- 
 berg, was one of those men of ability and consecration, who have set 
 their mark plainly on the inner life and progress of the Imnianuel 
 
 Church, lie was a kind man. whom everyone loved. He served as a 
 deacon, 1876 — 1898. lie gave himself, heart and soul, to the work of 
 the Tract Society. For many years he was a regular visitor at 
 Augustana Hospital, going from bed to bed, bringing to the patients 
 (he Word of Life. He selected a place for himself near the church 
 door, where he might be found readily by the many strangers, whom 
 he invited to the services week by week. He died on Max 'A. 1909, a 
 little more than seventy-seven years of age. 
 
 lollUll GENERATION MEMBERS 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 41 
 
 TIIIHI) GENERATION MEMBERS 
 
 Improvements 
 
 In 1886 the church steeple was built, and equipped with a clock 
 r.nd three bells. The cos! of this was $4,354.70. 
 
 The church destroyed in the fire was equipped with a line organ. 
 costing $3,000. Alter the lire it was out of the question to secure an- 
 other organ. For several months Mr. L. E. Lindberg's orchestra led 
 the church singing. In 1875 a rebuilt pipe organ was purchased. II 
 was never satisfactory, but none-the-lcss, was used until 1891", when 
 it was sold to a Catholic Church. In 18!)2 the organ, which still serves 
 
 to good purpose in the Central Church, was installed. As it was 
 placed at the front, over and behind the pulpit and altar, the church 
 interior was considerably remodeled. The entire cost of this was 
 $6,000. To provide the funds a special society was organized and in- 
 corporated. When the bills had all been paid, in 1894, the society 
 disbanded. 
 
 The congregation was in debt again in 1901, to the amount of 
 $5,735. This was cleared off by 1903, so that the fiftieth jubilee was 
 celebrated free of indebtedness. 
 
WOHSIIII'TKUS AT A MORNING SERVICE 
 
WORSHIPPERS AT A MORNING SERVICE (Continued) 
 
WORSHIPPERS AT A MORNING SERVICE (Continued) 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 45 
 
 sisi i;i; ai.i.h: G \ss\i w 
 
 SISTKR TILLIE JONES 
 
 SISTER FIUDA HAFF 
 
 k* 
 
 MM EH I I \ \ .IDll WSUN 
 
 Deaconesses who have served the Immanuel Church. 
 
46 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 rev. .iuiin \ii:i,i,AMii;it 
 
 MRS. M \I!V MELLANDER 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 47 
 
 REV. HERBERT \V. LINDEN 
 
 MISS. HERBERT W. I, INDIA 
 
 A Forward Look 
 
 In INS!) another canvass, which brought in some over $4,000", was 
 made by Rev. J. Mellander and Mr. S. F. Carlson. The purpose was to 
 provide money for a building that would serve as a parish school 
 bouse, a young people's center, and a chapel for English worship. 
 Rev. .1. Mellander was called as the regular associate pastor, lie was 
 to teach the parish school, supervise the young people's activities, and 
 assist, especially in the English preaching. No doubt, the need for 
 English services must have been pressing, before this step was taken. 
 Xever-the-less, it indicates admirable vision on the pastor's and the 
 people's part. 
 
 The plan was not realized. The money was somehow diverted to 
 other purposes. In "Minnesskrift" Dr. Evald deplores Ibis fact in 
 strong language. 
 
 The Chapel Is Built 
 
 Looking at the matter from a purely human point of view it 
 stems that the Immanuel people might have been spared many wor- 
 ries, losses, and heart-aches, if their decision to build a chapel at that 
 time, had been carried to completion, but by the grace of Cod, even in 
 this matter, all things eventually worked together for good. 
 
 In 1907 an English mission was started in the Edgewater district. 
 In 11*11 this mission built a Chapel on Rosedale and Clcnwood Ave- 
 nues. The official name of the mission became the Evangelical 
 Lutheran Bethel Church. 
 
 It happened that many Immanuel members made their homes on 
 the field of the Bethel Church. Neighbor met neighbor, and the prob- 
 lems of both the churches were frequently discussed. Little by little, 
 it came to he recognized that the problems of each church interlocked 
 at several points. The eventual result was a merger of the two 
 churches, in the fall of 1918. 
 
 In this way Cod provided the Immanuel Church with the chapel 
 which it needed for English work. He did much more. He opened 
 up a door of new opportunity on a promising field. Those who have 
 borne the brunt during the trying days of transition, ushered in by 
 the merger, can bear testimony to divine guidance in that which has 
 come to pass. 
 
 Some Statistics 
 
 Some interesting figures are found in a statement of church fin- 
 ances, prepared by Dr. J. E. Rehnstrom and Mr. 1'. P. Thorson, cover- 
 ing the period 1854—1901. The total amount expended was *42<i,818.74. 
 This does not include money given to special purposes, such as mis- 
 sions and charities, by the organizations of the church. The outlay 
 was as follows: $76,826.21 was spent on church property; $135,502.32 
 was paid in salaries; missions, and charities received ss(>7,48.">.f)4; Un- 
 balance was paid on loans and interest. 
 
 From the church records we learn, that the largest number of 
 baptisms, during any one year, was 273. That was in 1887, the yeai 
 which also had the largest number of marriages, l(i(i in all. The 
 largest accession of communicants was back in l<Sli7. In that year 
 330 were received. The largest total communicant membership re- 
 ported is 1,563. That was in the year 1889. 
 
48 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 
 
 J 
 
 • 
 
 
 DR. G. \. BRANDELLE 
 Prcsidenl of the Augustana Synod 
 
 REV. P. ARTHUR JOHNSON 
 President of the issoeiation of Englisli Churches 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 49 
 
 DR. ('.. (). GRANERE 
 Member 
 
 MRS. C. o. GRANERE 
 Member 
 
 REV. AUGUST EDGREN 
 Member 
 
 MRS. ALBERTINA SETTERDAHL 
 Member 
 
 Publications 
 
 For the past thirty-seven years a parish paper, which makes its 
 appearance the second Sunday of each month, has been published. 
 The pastors have been the editors. The management is in the hands 
 of the Board of Trustees. Mr. H. J. Erickson has been the business 
 manager for many years, and under his tireless supervision the paper 
 in its form and make-up, has been a credit to the church. The publi- 
 cation is financed by paid advertisements and donations from the 
 church organizations. It contains brief devotional articles, a review 
 of the happenings in the organizations and the church in general, 
 special articles on topics uppermost, for the time, on the congrega- 
 tion's program, brief biographies of departed members, and editorial 
 comments. The publication has proved itself of value as a stimulus to 
 the church work, and as a means of preserving interesting historical 
 data. The present name is "The Immanuel Review." It was adopted 
 
 at the annual meeting on January 1, 1920. The previous name was 
 "Forsamlingsviinnen." The first issue appeared in .March 1890. The 
 largest issues were the special Christmas numbers in December, 1926 
 and 1927. 
 
 A folder is distributed each Sunday. It contains an outline for 
 the services of the day, the weekly announcements, and brief com- 
 ments. This removes the necessity of making oral announcements 
 at the worship. 
 
 In connection with the jubilee celebration in 1!)()3. the congrega- 
 tion published an elaborate and handsome book, entitled "Minnes- 
 Skrift." The editorial and management committee consisted of the 
 following: Dr. C. A. Evald, Mrs. Emmy Evald, Mr. P. A. Peterson, 
 Mr. Andrew Thelander, Mr. Samuel Anderson, and Mr. Fred E. Hall- 
 berg. This volume represents prodigious labor, and will increasingly 
 be of value as an historical source book. 
 
50 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 DR. .11 I. US LINCOLN 
 Member 
 
 MRS. JULIUS LINCOLN 
 Member 
 
 The Jubilee Celebration 1903 
 
 The fiftieth anniversary of the congregation's organization was 
 fittingly taken note of, by a series of services and other festivities, 
 January 15 — 1!). 
 
 The celebration began on Thursday evening, January lf>th, with a 
 service of memorial dedicated to the departed members. Dr. M. C. 
 Ranseen and Dr. R. F. Weidner were the speakers. (Dr. Weidner at 
 one time assisted Dr. Evald for a period, with English preaching.) 
 
 On Friday forenoon a lull morning service was conducted, al 
 which the speakers were, Dr. L. G. Abrahamson and Dr. S. P. A. Lin- 
 dahl. In the evening the special anniversary service was held. Dr. 
 Evald gave a brief synopsis of the congregation's history. The other 
 speakers were, Dr. A. I'. .Montcn, Dr. Carl Swensson, and Dr. A. W. 
 
 Dahlsten. 
 
 On Saturday the women of the church held two sessions, one in 
 thi' afternoon and one in the evening. Between the two sessions a 
 banquet was given in the church basement. .">-<S o'clock, at which Dr. 
 Evald served as the toastmaster. 
 
 Sunday morning a festive Sunday School session was held. 8-1(1 
 o'clock. Holy Communion was celebrated, with the full morning 
 liturgy at 10:30 o'clock. Dr. Conrad Kind Lindberg gave Ihe com- 
 munion address, and Dr. Carl Swensson preached the sermon. Sun- 
 day afternoon was given over to the English Bible Classes and Sun- 
 day evening the first reunion of confirmation classes was held. Mon- 
 day evening the Immanuel Society, a literary organization, gave a 
 program. 
 
 The speakers, aside from those already mentioned, whose names 
 appear on one or more of the programs, are as follows: Mrs. Hanna 
 Lindeen, Rev. V. Tengwald, Mrs. Then Tengwald, Mrs. Ida Sannqvist. 
 Sister Allie Gassman, Mrs. Aqvilina Josephson, Dr. Erik Norelius, Rev. 
 Emil Hoffsten, Rev. Albin Jacobson, Sam. E. Carlson. Dr. P. Win. 
 Thorelius, Herman M. Thorsson, Mrs. Emmy Evald, Mrs. Eva Carls- 
 son, Miss Hilda Hedin, Mrs. Mary Mellander, Mrs. C. Engstrom, Rev. 
 J. Forsberg, Gustaf Engstrom, Dr. J. Peters, Rev. J. Mellander, Rev. 
 A. Hult, Rev. J. G. Princell, P. X. Sjogren, Albert Okerstrom, S. (i. 
 Hiigglund, E. K. Jonson, Dr. J. A. Enander, Miss Anna Evald. 
 
 Special music and singing was furnished by the following: Mr. 
 Emil Larson, the church organist, the Vesper Choir, Gunnar Liljen- 
 stolpe, Miss Margaret Dahlstrom, the Church Choir. Olof Valley. 
 Lyran, Carl Olson, Miss Ellen Nilsson, Miss Louise Larson. Mrs. 
 Christine Engstrom, Miss Sigrid Engberg, Concordia Sextette, Sunday 
 School, Infant Department, Edith Thorsson. Win, Dahlen. Mr. Christ- 
 enson, Miss Lydia Swenson, the Misses Lanquist, Male Quartette. 
 
 Such large numbers attended some of the sessions, that it was 
 found necessary to issue tickets of admission. 
 
 Dr. Carl A. Evald 
 
 Dr. Evald was installed, as we have noted, on April 4, 1875, He 
 slipped into a place of great activity, with many and varied require- 
 ments. But it soon became evident that God had, once more, provided 
 just the right man for the Immanuel Church. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 51 
 
 Dr. Carl A. Evald was horn in the parish of Kihl, province of 
 Orebro, Sweden, .May 25, 1X4!). His parents were Anders and Christina 
 Anderson. At the age of ten he was sent to the higher public school 
 of the province, where he spent seven years, graduating in 1868. 
 Being poor, he served as tutor in wealthy families. He also pursued 
 private studies with the object of fitting himself for the ministry. 
 He had early come to a personal conviction of sin, and an experience 
 of the life hid with Christ in Cod. 
 
 He began preaching at the age of nineteen, anil in 1871, then 
 twenty-two years of age, he was the companion of the famous 
 preacher. Rev. P. A. Ahlherg, on a mission tour through the province 
 of Smaland. 
 
 In the fall of 1871 he came to America, and took up studies at the 
 Augustana Seminary in Paxton. On a call from the Augustana Church 
 in Minneapolis, he was ordained in 1872, and continued in that church 
 until he came to Chicago. 
 
 Dr. Evald was married to Miss Annie Carlsson, a daughter of Dr. 
 and Mrs. Erland Carlsson, October 4, 1 87(5. She died in Stockholm, 
 Sweden, November 27, 1880. On May 24, 1883, he was married to Miss 
 Emmy Carlsson, a sister of his former wife. This union was blessed 
 with two daughters, Anna, now Mrs. C. E. Hoffsten, the wife of Dr. 
 Hoffsten, pastor of the English Grace Church of Chicago, and Lillian, 
 now Mrs. Amel R. Carlson. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are valued members 
 of the Immanuel Church. 
 
 Of Dr. Evald's ministry in the Immanuel Church, Dr. M. C. 
 Ranseen has written in effect: "The blessing which the Cord, through 
 Dr. Evald's service of thirty-four years, has bestowed upon this con- 
 gregation can not be evaluated, and immeasurable, also, is the whole- 
 some influence which the congregation, at the same time, has exerted 
 on the progress of the church work in general, not only in Chicago, 
 but throughout the whole synod. Dr. Evald's greatest strength was 
 in the pulpit. In oratorical abilities he, no doubt, as yet remains un- 
 surpassed among Swedish Evangelical Lutheran preachers in America. 
 Hut to the degree that he was painstaking with his sermons, to that 
 same degree he was zealous in his personal pastoral duties. Early 
 and late he made visits to the poor, sick and needy, whenever he was 
 called, spoke words of comfort and encouragement, and gave help 
 where he could." 
 
 REV. C. A. o. ENGSTROM 
 Member at Ordination 
 
 MRS. (1. .\. (). ENGSTROM 
 Former Member 
 
 Of his personal characteristics Dr. Ranseen writes: "In spite of his 
 great abilities one never found in him the least evidence of con- 
 descension. The big 'I' was kept well suppressed, and although we 
 live in a time when folks compete for earthly honors, we do not find 
 him, no, not for one moment, engaged in such pursuits. lie was 
 never touchy or stubborn. One must be of a strange' disposition, if 
 one could not remain on congenial terms, with this man of peace." 
 
 Dr. Evald filled many positions of trust outside of his own 
 church. For more than twenty years he was a member of the 
 Augustana Hospital Hoard. For a short period he was the secretary 
 of the Minnesota Conference. lie held the same office in the Illinois 
 Conference, and later was the conference president. He was on the 
 hoard of the Chicago Lutheran Seminary, the Chicago Bible Society 
 etc., etc. 
 
52 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 DR. EM.IL G. CHINLUND 
 Baptized and Confirmed in Immanui 
 
 MRS. HEDWIG LINDORFF 
 Member 
 
 As a writer he possessed no mean ability. He was editor of 
 several important publications, and contributed article's to several 
 others. He frequently wrote' over the pen name "Urbanus." 
 
 Aiter months of illness Dr. Evald \v;is called to his eternal re- 
 ward on March 13, 1909. He was fifty-nine years, nine months, and 
 eighteen days of age. Exceeding great sorrow Tilled the hearts of the 
 Immanuel people when they learned that their beloved pastor was 
 gone. The future seemed gloomy. But Dr. Evald had built on a 
 firm foundation, and though he laid down the tools, the work 
 endured. 
 
 Mrs. Emmy Evald 
 
 The name Mrs. Emmy Evald occurs more frequently In the story 
 of the Immanuel Church than that of any other member. She was 
 born in Geneva, Illinois, September IN, 1<S."»7. Geneva was at the time 
 
 served hv her lather. Dr. Krlaiid Carlsson, as a part of the Immanuel 
 
 pastorate. Even as a girl Mis. Evald took a leading part in tin 
 church work. Later, as Dr. C. A. Evald's wife for twenty-six years, 
 her remarkable gifts of leadership were used unstintedly for service 
 in the congregation. After the death of Dr. Evald she joined the 
 Salem, and later the Bethel Church, where she was a member at the 
 time of the merger. She thus rejoined Immanuel in 1918. 
 
 But Mrs. Evald's leadership goes far beyond the Immanuel 
 Church. She is today, without question, the most widelj known 
 American woman of Swedish descent, and one of the foremosl 
 Lutheran women of the country. At the religious congress in connec- 
 tion with the World's Fair in 1893, she was chairman of the Lutheran 
 women's division, where representative Lutheran women were pre- 
 sent from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, India, and 
 America. 
 
 She has been a champion of women's rights, and a leader and 
 founder of religious and general welfare enterprises, too numerous 
 
 MISS MAY ('.. MELLANDER 
 Member 
 
 IM(. It. 1'. WEIDNER 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 53 
 
 to mention. As a recognition of her unique distinction she was 
 decorated in 1921, by the king of Sweden, with the Medal of the 
 Order of Vasa. Her latest great undertaking was a trip around the 
 world, as the representative of the Woman's Mission Society of the 
 Augustana Synod. She visited mission stations and institutions in 
 China and India, the Holy Land and Sweden. Because of the war 
 in China this was a very hazardous and adventurous trip, but it was 
 made without mishap. 
 
 Mrs. Evald's greatest service has been as the president of the 
 Synodical Woman's Mission Society, which she founded some thirty- 
 five years ago. 
 
 An Interim 
 
 During Dr. Evald's illness Rev. Alfred Appell lor a time served 
 the congregation. After Dr. Evald's death the congregation was 
 served by Prof. S. G. Youngert, and later by Rev. Martin Hess. 
 
 
 * 1 
 
 L 
 
 
 i m 
 
 l ^^M 
 
 
 inHI 
 
 REV. V. .1. TENGWALD 
 Former Parish Teacher 
 
 MARTIN A. LINDBERG 
 Member 
 
 ANDREW LANQUIST 
 Member 
 
 MRS. V. .1. TENGWALP 
 Former Member 
 
 On September 14, 1909, the congregation convened and issued a 
 call to Rev. E. 1\. Jonson, then in the Zion Church at Hock Island, to 
 become the permanent pastor. Dr. Youngert acted as chairman of 
 I he meeting. 
 
 Rev. Elof K. Jonson 
 
 Rev. Jonson accepted the call and took charge on Xew Year's Day, 
 1910. As a student he had assisted Dr. Evald one year. 1901-2, and had 
 won the admiration of both young and old. The congregation re- 
 joiced at his coming, and took up the work once more with renewed 
 courage. Rev. Jonson was installed the Second Sunday in Lent, in 
 February, 1911. Rev. 1-'. A. hinder, president of Hie Illinois Con- 
 ference, officiated. 
 
 On April 2<S, 1912, a touching service in memory of Dr. Evald was 
 held. The occasion for the service was that the congregation had 
 
54 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 just erected ;i monument ;it his last resting place in the Graceland 
 
 Cemetery. Mayor Carter II. Harrison was represented at the service 
 by the Commissioner of Buildings Henry Ericsson. Dr. M. C. Ranseen 
 delivered an address. 
 
 An imposing sixtieth anniversary celebration, covering the better 
 part of two weeks, look place in January, 1913. That same year the 
 synod convened in the Immanuel Church in June. At that convention 
 the present pastor, on June 15th, was ordained. 
 
 The most pronounced characteristic of Rev. Jonson's pastorate 
 was intensive home mission activity. The first year he inspired the 
 organization of a men's society to canvass the community and gather 
 people into the church. Sister Tillie Jones, the church deaconess, 
 did much similar canvassing, as did also, for a time. Miss Emma 
 Blade. Students serving in the summer months were assigned this 
 work, in addition to their other duties. In 1915 Rev. E. W. Carlson 
 was called by the Deacons to serve as a local missionary. Such 
 organizations as the Tract Society and the Swedish Bible ("lass were 
 also enlisted, to good advantage, in the field work. Mother's meetings 
 were held once a month, partly at least, in the same interest. These 
 efforts redound, gloriously, to the credit of Rev. Jonson and the 
 Immanuel people, but they indicate also how difficult the work was 
 becoming. 
 
 Although so much was being done for the local mission, foreign 
 missions were not, on that account, neglected. In various ways in- 
 terest was stimulated, and funds gathered, for this holy cause. The 
 good results arc still apparent. Other branches of the work were 
 also carried on with vim. 
 
 It was, therefore, a great dissappointment when Rev. Jonson, on 
 July 30, 1915, tendered his resignation, to accept a call from the Kbc- 
 nezcr Church on Foster Avenue. He preached the farewell sermon 
 on October 31st. 
 
 Rev. Jonson is still the pastor of the Kbenezer Church. Recently 
 this church put through a successful drive for funds, and will soon 
 be ready to begin the construction of an imposing parish house. 
 
 Dr. Peter Peterson Arrives. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board of Deacons, held on October 14th, Rev. 
 
 E. W. Carlson was called to take charge during the vacancy. At the 
 
 REV. E. K. .lo\su\ 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 55 
 
 same meeting, the Board decided to recommend to the congregation, 
 that Dr. Peter Peterson of Stanton, Iowa be called as the permanenl 
 pastor. The meeting of the congregation was held on October 28th, 
 and Dr. Peterson was called. A month later his letter of acceptance 
 was received. The venerable Rev. A. Edgren, still a member of the 
 Immanuel Congregation, was called to assist Rev. Carlson, during the 
 months of December and January. 
 
 Dr. Peterson arrived in February, l!)l(i. and preached his first 
 sermon the last Sunday of that month. He was installed by Dr. M. 
 C. Ranseen on April 30th. The members rallied loyally and hopefully 
 around the new pastor. And well they might, for Dr. Peterson was 
 tireless in his work, both in the outward upbuilding of the congrega- 
 tion and in his personal ministrations. He had a long list of "shut- 
 ins" to whom, in spite of manifold other duties, both within and with- 
 out the church, he gave untiring attention. 
 
 Some Unvarnished Facts 
 
 We have noted in our discussion of the Sunday School, thai the 
 population of the district around the church was changing rapidly. 
 By the time Dr. Peterson took charge the district had become a veri- 
 table Latin quarter. The name "little Italy" was applied to it, and, 
 because of the peculiar fondness of Italians for the vendetta, a terri- 
 tory, not far from the church was spoken of as "death's coiner" and 
 even "little hell." The Immanuel people were not molested, the sec- 
 tion being as safe, no doubt, for those of northern European stock, as 
 any other in the city, but none-the-less, they continued, with growing 
 frequency, to make their homes in more inviting parts. 
 
 Dr. Peterson discusses the situation in the reports submitted to 
 the annual meetings in 11)17 and 1918. In the latter he points out 
 that, whereas members in former days often left the old church to 
 help organize new congregations in outlying territory, in the interest 
 of missions, now the old church needed to keep all her members to 
 accomplish the important work Cod had entrusted to her. 
 
 Such pleadings met with results. We find many striking examples 
 of loyalty among the members. Many, with a great distance to come 
 attended the services and other meetings, most faithfully. There was 
 deep-rooted love in their hearts for the old mother church. Such 
 
 DR. PETER I'ETERSOX 
 
56 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 M'.I.S J. OLSON 
 Honorarj Deacon 
 
 SIMON OLSON 
 Senior Deacon 
 
 sentiments are still an element of strength in the Emmanuel con- 
 gregation. 
 
 But the neighborhood of the church was not, thereby, improved. 
 The pastors, loo, had not found it pleasant to live in. Dr. Evald for 
 a time made his home in another part of the city. The same is true 
 of Rev. Jonson. 
 
 Patriotism 
 The days that followed the entrance of America into the World 
 War, brought peculiar problems, that made church work everywhere, 
 more difficult. In his report to the annual meeting on January 1, 
 1!)1!), Dr. Peterson states, that about eighty of the congregation's 
 young men had been in the service. Two gave their lives, Henry 
 Ackerberg, who died at (lam)) Jackson, South Carolina, on July 3, 
 1018, and Carl Theodore Swanson, who was killed in action in France. 
 
 October 2<i, 1918. II' we add the young men from the Bethel Church, 
 the number enlisted exceeds, considerably, one hundred. 
 
 The other members did their part, to "keep the home fires burn- 
 ing." by subscribing for "Liberty Bonds." "War Saving Stamps," and 
 "Victory Bonds," by donating to the Bed Cross, V. M. C. A.. Y. W. C. 
 A., etc., and by engaging in other patriotic ( fforts requested of the 
 citizens. The National Lutheran Commission, ; ml the Lutheran 
 Brotherhood were generously supported. 
 
 There was much rejoicing when the boys cam? home again. A 
 great banquet was held in the old church basement, October 31, 1919. 
 
 As a result of the war the territory near the church began to be 
 populated by Negroes from the Southern stales. They have since 
 come in large numbers, being drawn to Chicago by the industrial 
 advantages here offered them. Recently, the Augustana Inner Mission 
 opened a religious school for (he children. The school which is held 
 in the church basement, each Saturday morning, has an average 
 attendance of about seventy-five. 
 
 In the Matter of a Parsonage 
 
 When Dr. Peterson came there was no parsonage, but at a meet- 
 ing held on July IS, Dili, the congregation decided to purchase a 
 residence located at 142<> N. La Salle Street. This was a line building, 
 admirably suited to serve as a pastor's home. The Peterson family 
 moved in about the middle of October. The cost of the building was 
 $10,500. The money was raised at a "Subscription Festival" held on 
 October 12th. 
 
 The congregation did not retain possession of the building more 
 than four years. Already at the annual meeting on January 1. 1920, 
 the Trustees were empowered to sell it, "whenever in their discretion 
 this might seem best." The action was taken in line with the plans 
 then fast developing, to remove the center of the congregation's ac- 
 tivities to the new North field. The present pastor and his family 
 moved out in September 1920, and located in a flat rented for them 
 by the congregation, first at S824 Osgood Street, and a few months 
 later, at 1442 Winona Street. On May 24, 1922 they moved into the 
 present parsonage, located at laid Elmdale Avenue. This parsonage 
 will bear comparison with any owned bv the churches of the synod. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 57 
 
 The Merger 
 
 In our story we have, time and again, made reference to the mer- 
 ger between the Bethel and the Immanuel Congregations. Many 
 elements, which worked together toward this event, have been dis- 
 covered. 
 
 In the actual merger, the first official step was taken by the 
 Board of Administration of the Bethel Church. As usually is the 
 case in such dealings, the ground had first been gone over informally. 
 The Bethel Board of Administration sent a communication to the 
 Immanuel Board of Administration, raising the question of the advis- 
 ability of a merger of their respective churches. To this the Im- 
 manuel Board replied with an invitation to a joint meeting, where the 
 question might further he gone into. The joint meeting of the Boards 
 was held on October 1st. The happy results of the meeting was the 
 adoption of resolutions favoring a merger. The question was referred 
 to thi' congregations, and each held a meeting in its respective church 
 on the evening of October 17. 1918. The recommendations of the 
 joint Board meeting, were unanimously adopted by both congre- 
 gations. 
 
 According to the agreements of the merger, the Immanuel con- 
 gregation retained its name and corporation unchanged, the Bethel 
 members simply becoming members of the Immanuel Church. The 
 Bethel Congregation transfered the title to its property to the Im- 
 manuel Congregation, the latter agreeing to care for the Bethel field 
 and to erect, there, whatever church buildings might be needed. 
 
 The first annual meeting of the merged congregation was held on 
 January 1, 1!)1!>. The pastor, Dr. Peter Peterson, presided. The 
 merger had now been brought iido official effect. Dr. Peterson had 
 led the negotiations with a sure hand. The congregation stood at 
 the door of new splendid opportunities. 
 
 As the Congregation now had two churches and two fields, it 
 became necessary to engage an assistant to the pastor. Rev. Ernst G. 
 Svenson, at the lime pursuing studies at the Chicago University, was 
 extended a temporary call. He served until January 1, 1920. 
 
 The Board of Trustees was authorized to purchase ground on the 
 corner of Elmdale and Greenview Avenues, and to sell the Bethel 
 Chapel, as soon as this would prove advantageous. The amount of 
 
 AXEI. L. TIIOHSON 
 Treasurer 
 
 AI YIN C. SANDBERG 
 Financial Secretary 
 
 ground stipulated was a frontage of one hundred and twenty feet. 
 but a proviso was added, that if it were deemed wise, more might he 
 purchased. Eventually, the Board secured a frontage of two hundred 
 and ten feet. The cost of purchase was *2!{.l)00. 
 
 Action to finance tins purchase could not be taken immediately, 
 because obligations of a charitable nature intervened. Thus an in- 
 gathering of funds for American Belief took place, and Februarj 
 16-26, special efforts were made in behalf of the Lutheran European 
 Reconstruction Work, undertaken by the National Lutheran Council. 
 
 In March attention was tinned to the local problem. As the obli- 
 gation for the new lots was. so far, only $13,800 (the cost of the 
 original one hundred and twenty feet) it was decided to hold a num- 
 ber of "Subscription Festivals" to raise tlds amount. Before long 
 however, it was realized that a more comprehensive plan must be 
 undertaken. 
 
58 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 The SoO.OOO Drive 
 
 The attention of the Board of Administration was ;it this time 
 called to Mr. H. H. Patterson of Cleveland, Ohio, and his assistant Mr. 
 Fowler, who had made it a profession to assist churches ami institu- 
 tions in raising money. Their services were secured, ami they began 
 the preliminary work on June 7. 1919. 
 
 The members of the congregation were organized for a general 
 campaign, with the following officers: ('.apt. John C. Carlson, honor- 
 ary chairman; Dr. P. William Thorelius, general chairman; Edward E. 
 Erickson, campaign treasurer; Mrs. Herman Thorsson, chairman of 
 the commissary department; Mrs. A. Alfred Anderson, buyer; Mrs. .1. 
 A. Carlson, chairman of the kitchen force, and Mrs. Simon Johanson 
 of the dining room force. There were nineteen teams of men with 
 Samuel L. Anderson as chairman, and fifteen teams of women with 
 Mis. John E. Ericsson as chairman. 
 
 The campaign began on June 25th. About two hundred workers 
 participated. Each evening the workers met for a six o'clock dinner, 
 when reports wen- made and instructions received. Then all took to 
 the field to secure pledges. There was keen, but pleasant, rivalry 
 between the teams. The campaign came to a close on July 3rd. The 
 goal that had been set was $50,000. The final report showed four 
 hundred and seventy-eight dollars above that figure. In the current 
 parlance "the drive" had "gone over the top." This excellent result 
 could not have been achieved, had not the interest been general. 
 There were, of course, some oppositionists, but they wore offset b\ 
 the many who gave evidence of almost unbounded enthusiasm. It is 
 interesting to note, that Mrs. Bothilda Cederborg. who. as a young 
 lady, had helped to gather funds, light after the Chicago fire, and 
 who now was about seventy years of age, was out every evening. 
 Another worker among the older members who did not miss an even- 
 ing was Mrs. Josephine Kihlberg. These two are still interested and 
 active members of the church. 
 
 II was an impressive moment when the final results wore an- 
 nounced, and the workers rose to their feet and sang: "Praise Cod 
 from Whom all blessings flow." The expense of this campaign was 
 $2,705.82. 
 
 REV. C. O. I'.I.M.ISON 
 
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 THE HOAIU) OF DEACONS 
 

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 THE I'.OAKI) ()l- - TRUSTEES 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 61 
 
 C Mil. W. I1HOMAN 
 Organist an I Choir Director 
 
 EDLA W. MAGNEY 
 Parish Secretary 
 
 PETER HANSON 
 Sexton 
 
 Another Change of Pastors 
 
 The Illinois Conference convened April 22, I'll!), at the Ebenezer 
 Church. An amendment to the constitution, stipulating that the pre- 
 sident's term of office be five years, and that he give full time service. 
 was adopted. When the election of a president, under this new 
 ruling, took place, Dr. Peterson was chosen on the third ballot. He 
 felt impelled to accept and, to the regret of the members, tendered 
 his resignation to the Immanuel Church. His services as the pastor 
 of the church ended on July 27, 1!)1!(, but he and his family remained 
 as members until December 4, 1921. They then joined the English 
 Messiah Church in Lake View, a church nearer their place of re- 
 sidence. 
 
 The present pastor was called at a meeting held on June 2;$rd, 
 and he began his work on October 12, l!)lit. He was installed by Dr. 
 
 Peter Peterson January 1<S, 1!)20. His previous charge was the Trinity 
 Lutheran Church of Duluth. 
 
 Meeting a Challenge 
 
 It was at this time becoming more and more evident that speedy 
 action must he taken, if the new opportunities, opened up by the 
 merger, were not to be lost. The cost of maintaining the two fields 
 on the basis first contemplated, was taxing the church treasury be- 
 yond its capacity. The fields were also divergent in language and 
 in practical aims, and neither of the church buildings could be made 
 a center for the activities of the entire congregation. There was no 
 small danger that the church might become "a house divided against 
 itself." Prophets of woe, who foretold a speedy failure, were not 
 lacking. The only possible line of action to save the situation was In 
 
62 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 WALTER A. G0RANS0N 
 
 I)H. I'. WM. TH0RELH s 
 
 ENOCH A. PEARSON 
 
 Al.l'KI.I) AMir.HMlS 
 
 establish a new center, and give the members a task that would be 
 common to them all. 
 
 In line with this the annual meeting on January 1, 1!)20 elected 
 a building committee. The members elected were: Andrew Lanquist, 
 John E. Ericsson, Simon Johanson, Enoch A. Pearson, Walter A. 
 Goranson, and Alfred Anderson. Mr. Lanquist found it impossible 
 to serve, but his kindly interest in the work of the committee, and 
 in the later developments that have come, has been amply proved. 
 When the committee organized for its work, Mr. John E. Ericsson was 
 elected chairman, and Mr. Fnoeh A. Pearson secretary. Later .Mr. 
 Ericsson withdrew from the committee, and as the lowest bidder, was 
 given the general contract lor erecting the new buildings. Dr. P. 
 William Thorelius was chosen to take Mr. Ericsson's place as the 
 committee's chairman. 
 
 The annual meeting of 11120 also called Lev. Herbert W. Linden. 
 
 then at Fort Dodge, Iowa, to serve as the regular associate pastor. 
 He entered upon his duties May 2nd. Previous to his arrival the 
 pastor was assisted by Mr. Luther Benson, then a theological student 
 The building committee reported progress at meetings of the congre- 
 gation held on February 19, March 4, and April 11. At these meet- 
 ings it was decided that the general plans were to include provision 
 for a church auditorium, a parish house, and a parsonage. Mr. Eric 
 F. Hall was selected as the architect. 
 
 On Sunday afternoon. October 10. the congregation held a service 
 of dedication on the new lots. Dr. Peter Peterson was the speaker 
 and conducted the dedication. Mr. Samuel L. Anderson, then the 
 president of the choir, had promised a chorus of one hundred voices 
 for the occasion. His promise was nearly redeemed. The choir con- 
 sisted of exactly ninety-nine voices. One singer failed to appear he- 
 cause of a serious accident the previous evening. This meeting was 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 63 
 
 SIMON JOHANSON 
 
 EDW. E. ERICKS0N 
 
 ERIC E. HALL 
 
 .IOIIN E. ERICSSON 
 
 encouraging. II brought out large numbers, and helped, materially, 
 to arouse enthusiasm tor the building project. 
 
 Building operations would now have gone forward very soon, 
 had not a general "lock out," in the building industry, prevented. 
 The labor trouble dragged on lor several months, finally issuing in 
 the famous "Landis' Award" agreements. 
 
 The Fourth Church Edifice 
 
 At length, on September 22, 1021, at an exceptionally well at- 
 tended meeting, the congregation, by a unanimous vote, decided to 
 proceed, immediately, with the erection of a parish bouse and 
 parsonage. Ground was broken on October 19th, and the coiner- 
 stone was laid on December 4th. 
 
 When the corner stone was laid the festivities began with a 
 
 service at the Nicholas Senn High School auditorium. The program 
 continued at some length, and before the church grounds were 
 reached it was almost dark. Dr. Peterson read the service by the light 
 of a kerosene lantern, held for his convenience by Mr. John Broman, 
 one of the deacons. 
 
 The first service in the new parish house was held on Ma\ 7. 
 1!)22. As the chapel was not completed, the service was held in the 
 assembly hall. The church appointments were necessarily improvised 
 for the occasion, but the significance of the service, marking as it 
 did the turning point in the congregation's progress along the new- 
 lines adopted, made it singularly impressive. 
 
 Both the pastors were present. Rev. Linden preached his fare- 
 well sermon. His resignation had been accepted with reluctance, 
 lie had given able and unselfish service during the two years of ins 
 
64 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 stny, hut he felt that, with the congregation established on the new 
 field, the specific duties for which he \v;is called came to an end. 
 On leaving he became the pastor of the Albany Park Lutheran 
 Church, where he still continues. 
 
 The previous Sunday evening, April 30th, a farewell service was 
 held iu the Bethel Chapel. The speakers were John Strandberg, C. 
 Fred Peterson, and Stuart Goranson, all pioneers of the Bethel work. 
 The next day those who had purchased the building began the work 
 of wrecking it. A large apartment building now occupies the site 
 of the former Bethel Church. 
 
 The parish bouse was dedicated on All Saints' Day, November .">, 
 1!I22. Services were held morning, afternoon, and evening. In spite 
 ol very inclement weather the chapel was filled at each service. Dr. 
 I-'. A. Johnson, vice president and treasurer of the Illinois Conference, 
 preached the morning sermon. Dr. Peter Peterson gave an address 
 in the afternoon, and conducted the ceremony of dedication. At this 
 service Rev. G. A. Swanburg, president of the Northern Chicago 
 District, also spoke. In the evening Holy Communion was celebrated. 
 Rev. II. W. Linden preached the sermon. The church choir sang 
 beautifully at all three services. 
 
 The Disposal of the Old Church 
 
 While building operations were proceeding, the congregation was 
 faced with two important questions. The one was the financing of 
 the new venture, the other the proper care of the old field. 
 
 In the latter question the first step was taken at the meeting of 
 the congregation held on September 22, 1921. The pastor, anticipating 
 that it would be hard to work the old field properly, when the new 
 building became the congregation's center of activity, unless special 
 arrangement for this were made, suggested that the congregation 
 enter into some agreement with the Inner .Mission (then an indepen- 
 dent society) whereby the field might be cared for to mutual ad- 
 vantage. The meeting elected a committee to take the matter under 
 advisement. The following members were elected: Charles Hanks, 
 P. Win. Thorelius, Leonard Anderson, David I'. Chindbloni, and 
 Walter A. Coranson. 
 
 Before the committee held its first meeting definite information 
 
 had been received that the matter was arousing interest in another 
 quarter. Acting on this information, the committee, alter due de- 
 liberation, at a number of sessions, drew up a set of resolutions re- 
 commending that the old field and church be transferred to the 
 Executive Committee of the Illinois Conference. The substance ol 
 the committee's resolutions was agreed upon in consultation with 
 the president of the conference. Dr. Peterson was also present when 
 the congregation discussed and adopted the resolutions. Action, 
 directing the Board of Trustees to dvvd the old church to the execu- 
 tive Committee of the Illinois Conference, was taken by the congre- 
 gation on January 1!). 11122, the only stipulation being, that the con- 
 ference "agree to assume the responsibility for the maintenance of the 
 work in that field, as long as may he necessary." On the motion of 
 Mr. A. Lanquist the following amendment was also adopted: "That it 
 be recommended to the Board of Administration of the congregation, 
 and the Executive Board of the conference, that the question of the 
 permanent maintenance of the church hi' given consideration." By 
 the authority of the meeting the Board of Administration later added 
 the further stipulation, "that the name 'Immanuel' shall not be used 
 in connection with any congregation to be organized here." 
 
 A joint meeting of the Conference Executive Committee and the 
 Immanuel Board of Administration was held on April 24. As agree- 
 ment could not he reached on the stipulation regarding the name, the 
 question was referred to the conference, shortly to convene in the 
 Trinity Church of Galesburg. On May I the conference voted to 
 accept the proposition of the Immanuel Church. 
 
 The Central Church 
 Prof. S. (i. Youngert was called, jointly, by the Conference exe- 
 cutive Committee and the Immanuel Board of Deacons, to take tem- 
 porary pastoral charge of the old field. On July 1st the Board of 
 Trustees transferred the church property <\rvi\ to the Conference 
 Executive Committee. On July (i a new congregation was organized, 
 which took the name, the Central Lutheran Church. About one 
 hundred and fifty Immanuel communicants became members of the 
 new congregation. This was in line with the spirit of the agreement 
 of transfer. The most cordial relations have always existed between 
 the two churches. 
 
The Story of The Immanuei Lutheran Church 
 
 65 
 
 On September <S, 1 1)22, the Emmanuel Congregation held ;i Cen- 
 tennial Celebration Service in memory of Dr. Erland Carlsson. This 
 service was held in the old church, and became, as well, the farewell 
 service on the part of the lininanuel Congregation. The speakers 
 were: Rev, Philip Thelander, Dr. Gustav Andreen, Dr. Peter Peterson, 
 Dr. M. Wahlstrom, Dr. C. E. Hoffsten and the pastor. 
 
 Financing the New Venture 
 
 When the construction of the new building began about $40,000 
 were in hand. This sum represented the amount left from the $50,000 
 drive, phis what had been realized from the sale of the parsonage on 
 La Salle Street, and the Bethel property. As the estimated cost of the 
 new buildings was approximately $108,000 the Board of Trustees was 
 empowered to negotiate a loan, with the Capital State Savings Bank, 
 lo the amount of $70,000. 
 
 To meet this debt the congregation dining the week of June 5-10, 
 1 'J22. put on another financial campaign. This time one of the mem- 
 bers of the church, and as well, a member of the Board of Deacons. 
 Mr. David I*. Chindblom, was made the manager, with another church 
 member, Mr. Enoch A. Pearson, as assistant manager. The organiza- 
 tion followed very much the lines and the personnel of the previous 
 drive, viz., Capt. John 0. Carlson, honorary chairman; Dr. P. Win. 
 Thorelius, general chairman; Samuel P. Anderson, secretary and 
 chairman of the men's division; Mrs. John E. Ericsson, chairman of 
 the women's division; Edward E. Erickson, treasurer; Mrs. Simon 
 Johanson, head of the commissary division. 
 
 The workers were impressively commissioned at the morning 
 service on June 4th. On the evening of thai day the Church Choir 
 rendered Handel's "The Messiah" to a packed house. 
 
 The body of workers assembled in the parish house on Monday 
 evening, June 5th, and sat down to dinner at 6:30 o'clock. A brief 
 program followed, which was opened with Scripture Reading and 
 prayer, and consisted of brief talks by Capt. Carlson, Dr. Thorelius, 
 and the pastor, and of vocal solos by Mrs. E. Robert Larson and Mrs. 
 Axel H. Johnson. Thereupon the manager, Mr. Chindblom, took 
 charge, lie began with a thoroughly evangelical exposition of John 
 1(1: 17, LS, applying the lesson lo the task before the gathering. When 
 the evening was concluded one hundred and thirty-six pledges had 
 
 DAVID I'. CHINDBLOM 
 
 been made, the total sum being $42,910. By Friday evening $22,003 
 had been secured in pledges on the field. 
 
 A rally was announced for Saturday evening. A huge number 
 responded. The manager went lo work as on the First evening, ami. 
 near midnight, a total for the campaign of $75,000 had been pledged. 
 
 The entire expense of I he campaign was only $605.97. Eight 
 hundred and fifteen meals were served at a cost of $252.80, the bal- 
 ance of the expense being for printing, postage, etc. 
 
 Again the congregation sang the doxology with deep emotion. 
 The blessings, thai had come down from Cod, were not only material. 
 In the work of that strenuous week the union, begun bj the merger, 
 had been consummated in spirit and in truth. 'Ihc manager bad held 
 the campaign lo high motives, and many hearts were filled with the 
 joy that comes of giving to the Lord with a willing mind. Mr. Chind- 
 blom has written his name, indelibly, in the hearts of the Emmanuel 
 members. 
 
66 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 Realizing pledges to the amount of $75,000 at this time, especially 
 since the previous campaign for $50,000 had been so recent, was really 
 a noteworthy achievement. The two campaigns, however, tell only a 
 pari of the financial story of the past eight years. From the follow- 
 ing interesting figures, compiled by Mr. ('.. F. Peterson, we may gain 
 at least an approximately correct idea of what has been done. 
 
 Income to General 
 Membership 
 Year Contributions 
 
 I'll!) $5,947.00 
 
 1920 7,809.00 
 
 1021 8,075.00 
 
 1!»22 9,337.00 
 
 10215 8,313.00 
 
 1!)24. ...11,820.00 
 1025 11, 8(17.1)0 
 
 1020 12,71!t.OO 
 
 re isui \ 
 
 Sundry 
 $8,174.00 
 8,120.00 
 8,570.00 
 6,173.00 
 9,331.00 
 8,478.00 
 .".. 17X00 
 6,690.00 
 
 Total 
 $14,121,011 
 15,929.00 
 17,545.00 
 15,5 10.00 
 17,044.00 
 20,208.011 
 17,040.00 
 19,409.00 
 
 Total ....$76,787.00 $60,709.00 $137,496.00 
 
 "The above are receipts to the general treasury as current in- 
 come. Receipts to the building fund for this period, as we figure it, 
 were $132,500.00 making a total income in round numbers of $270,- 
 ooo.oo, or a yearly average of $33,700.00. 
 
 The benevolences for the last three years average nearly 40', of 
 the current income." 
 
 The value of the church property, as stated in the report of tin 
 Board of Trustees, submitted to the annual meeting January 20, 1027. 
 is as follows: 
 
 "The ('.rounds, 210'-0" x 12.V-00" cost $ 23,000.00 
 The Parsonage and Parish House 110,823.23 
 Furnishings at the lime our buildings were com- 
 pleted cost 9,697.62 
 
 Organ cost 4,000.00 
 
 Total $117,520.85 
 
 These are actual costs at the time we built. Because of greatly 
 enhanced property values, higher building material costs and in- 
 creased labor costs, it would take $250,000.00 to replace what we now 
 possess." 
 
 At the beginning of 1027 the indebtedness on the church property 
 was $14,900, and there was an additional indebtedness of $5,000 for 
 running expenses. To remove this, free-will offerings have been given 
 at various times during the year, hut especially throughout the autumn 
 months. When the jubilee banquet was held on January 16, 1028. it 
 was reported that every cent of the indebtedness had been paid. 
 
 A Word of Appreciation 
 
 The figures given above tell plainly the story of devotion and 
 generosity, during the past eight years, on the part of many loyal 
 members. They tell also of great demands for initiative, resource- 
 fulness, and, down right work on the part of those responsible for 
 the leadership. The financial problems in general have fallen, in the 
 first place, to the lot of the Hoard of Trustees, hut through the 
 medium of the Hoard of Administration, every event of large concern, 
 has been shared as well, by the Hoard of Deacons. 
 
 It is only fair, that mention be made of the individuals, who by 
 virtue of their official positions, have been called on to bear the 
 greater weight of the responsibility. At the time of the merger, and 
 many years preceeding that event, Dr. P. William Thorelius was the 
 president of the Hoard of Trustees. In that position he established 
 himself, to an enviable degree, in the confidence of the church mem- 
 bership. Mr. Walter A. Goranson became the president the second 
 year after the merger, and lias continued since, to serve in that 
 capacity. He has been untiring in his efforts on behalf of the church, 
 and although he has been ably aided by the other members of the 
 Hoard, and by the members of tiie special committees, elected from 
 time to time, no small pail of the credit, for what has been achieved, 
 belongs, personally, to him. Mr. Axel L. Thorson has been the church 
 treasurer for many years, and he has served in a manner that can 
 scarcely be surpassed. In a like able manner Mr. Alvin ('.. Sandberg 
 has filled the office of financial secretary. Mr. Edward 11. Erickson 
 has most efficiently held the difficult position of treasurer of the 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 67 
 
 Lot and Building Funds. He is possessed of a genial personality 
 which makes him just the man for such an office. 
 
 In 1027 the Board of Administration consisted of the following 
 members: 
 
 Deacons Trustees 
 
 C. F. Peterson, v. president Walter A. Goranson, president 
 
 Thor Nystrom, secretary P. Martin Granstrom, v. president 
 
 N. P. Nelson, treasurer of the Oscar F. Johnson, secretary 
 
 Charity Fund Axel L. Thorson, church treas. 
 
 Leonard Anderson, Com. on Music Alvin C. Sandberg, financial 
 Samuel L. Anderson, Com. on Music secretary 
 
 Stuart Goranson, Com. on Ushers II. J. Erickson, business manager 
 Emil Johnson, Com. on Ushers of the "Immanuel Review" 
 
 Frank Berg Perry B. Brelin, chairman of Hie 
 
 Axel H. Johnson House Committee 
 
 Mauritz Kallerud Albert B. Anderson 
 
 Simon Olson Carl Emilson 
 
 Olof L. Thorson Victor L. Erickson 
 
 N. J. Olson, honorary member Paul C. Mellander 
 
 P. Win. Thorelius 
 
 In accordance with the church constitution, the pastor has been 
 the president of the Board of Deacons and, also, of the Board of Ad- 
 ministration. Mr. C. F. Peterson has been the vice president, also 
 of both Boards. Mr. Albert B. Anderson has been the secretary of 
 the Board of Administration. 
 
 The Present Sanctuary 
 
 Eventually, the Immanuel Congregation will complete the present 
 plant, with the erection of a church edifice, proper. In the mean- 
 t me, the services are being held in a chapel on the first floor of the 
 parish house. The chapel makes an attractive place of worship, but 
 
 because of the increase in attendance at the morning services, the 
 past two or three years, it is now crowded, rather more than is com- 
 fortable. When the new sanctuary has been built, the chapel will be- 
 come the Sunday School auditorium. 
 
 The chapel is equipped with a fine pipe organ, installed and 
 paid for by the Immanuel Guild. The organ was dedicated on April 
 15, 1923. The Guild has also supplied the chapel with a most excel- 
 lent grand piano. This was presented at the morning services, on 
 December 18, 1927. 
 
 Conclusion 
 
 We have come to the end of the story. It has been told, perforce, 
 in a fragmentary fashion, but told even thus it has much to teach the 
 thoughtful reader. The outstanding feature of pioneer days, we have 
 seen, was deep spirituality. We have noted, too, that through the 
 subsequent years, many things of lasting value were wrought in faith 
 and love. 
 
 In the li.nht of the past, it is quite pertinent to impure concerning 
 the warmth and vitality of the spiritual life of today. May the people 
 of the Immanuel Congregation never forget, that in upbuilding a 
 church, outward success, divorced from inner spirituality, is but a 
 snare and a delusion, that the only worth while accomplishment, is 
 to construct a house, wherein God shall be pleased to dwell. To this 
 end, may Cod vouchsafe a continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit by 
 the Word and the Sacraments, and may the Immanuel Congregation, 
 in the days that lie ahead, minister in things spiritual to the salva- 
 tion of many precious souls, and the never ceasing glory of Cod. 
 
 "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above 
 all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 
 unto Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus unto all 
 generations for ever and ever. Amen." (Eph. 3: 2(1, 21). 
 
68 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Lutheran Church 
 
 THE AUGUSTANA CENTRAL IHiMi: 
 
 THE IMM \M EL WOMAN'S IIOMIO 
 
The Story of the Bethel Church 
 
 C. F. PETERSON 
 
 In the fall of the year 11)07, the Illinois Conference of the August- 
 ana Synod, took up English mission work in the Edgewater district. 
 Three resident laymen were at first enlisted for this work. They 
 were Mr. Oscar Lundstrom, Mr. John Strandberg and Mr. Jonas Er- 
 landson. 
 
 These men at once became active in organizing a Sunday School 
 and on Sunday afternoon. November 3, 1907, at a meeting in the 
 Saint Paul's Evangelical Church, (German) 1527 Edgewater Avenue, 
 sponsored by the North Chicago Mission District, a Sunday School 
 of about twenty-five members was organized. The name of "Bethel 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church" had been adopted to designate this 
 mission post. 
 
 The School was conducted at this place by these three laymen 
 on Sunday afternoons, until the following February, when it was 
 temporarily removed to Mr. Lundstrom's home at 141!) Granville Ave., 
 which he generously offered for the purpose. 
 
 As the mustard seed took root and grew, the Mission Hoard called 
 and secured a pastor, Rev. .1. E. Lorimer, to take charge of the work. 
 Rev. Lorimer. with his family, arrived in April, HHKX. Quarters were 
 then rented in a store building at 5710 Ridge Avenue, where the first 
 service was held on Sunday April 25, 1908. 
 
 Rev. and Mrs. Lorimer labored here very earnestly lor about one 
 and one half years. Sunday School, morning and evening services 
 were held each Sunday. A Woman's Aid Society and a Luther League 
 were organized by Pastor Lorimer. 
 
 On September l(i, 1908, a meeting was held at the meeting place, 
 Pastor Lorimer presiding, for the purpose of organizing a congrega- 
 tion. About ten people were present and a tentative organization was 
 effected. The following officers were elected: Secretary, Mr. A. E. 
 Anderson; Deacons, Mr. Oscar Lundstrom, Mr. John Strandberg and 
 Mr. Louis Anderson; Trustees, Mr. \V. A. Goranson, Mr. A. E. Ander- 
 son, and Mr. Oscar Lundstrom. A constitution was also adopted. 
 
 It is often the experience in pioneer work of this kind, that it 
 falls to one to open the way and break the ground, and [or others to 
 sow and till the planting for the harvest. It so followed here. The 
 Mission posts were many, Mission funds were meagre, the Mission 
 treasury being heavily in debt, and students were employed for such 
 places wherever possible. Realizing this, Rev. Lorimer accepted a 
 tendered call to another charge and left here in August, 1909. 
 
 The Mission Board then secured Mr. Daniel Nystrom, a student 
 at the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, who, in addition to 
 
 Till-; BETHEL C.IIAI'KI. 
 
70 
 
 The Story of The Bethel Church 
 
 pursuing his studies, also filled the pulpit in the Bethel Mission. Mr. 
 Nystrom took charge in September, 1909. 
 
 By this time some of those who had been active in the work had 
 moved away, others had withdrawn, so that the initial organization 
 had become disintegrated. New efforts, however, were made to re- 
 vive interest in the Mission. A meeting was held on December 1, 
 1909, at which Rev. G. A. Elliott, President of the .North Chicago 
 Mission District, presided. Rev. Gottfred Nelson also being present, 
 when a new organization was effected. At this meeting Mr. I,. A. 
 Siljestrom was elected Secretary. A resolution was passed to organize 
 a congregation and a list of about thirty-five nanus was presented 
 who would become members. The Augustana Synod Church Consti- 
 tution was adopted and three deacons and three trustees were elected. 
 The deacons were Mr. C. F. Peterson, Mr. Oscar Lundstrom and Mr. 
 John Strandberg; the trustees were Mr. Andrew Landgren, Mr. \V. A. 
 Goranson and Mr. Hans Nelson. Rev. (i. A. Elliott was elected Vice 
 Pastor. The name, "Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church," was re- 
 tained. The congregation was duly chartered and received into llu 
 Illinois Conference the following spring. 
 
 Mi - . Nystrom continued to serve the congregation and on his or- 
 dination was called as permanent pastor, taking charge as such in 
 .lime, 1911. 
 
 In the spring of 1911), ground fronting sixty-seven feet on the 
 corner of Bosedale and (ilenwood Avenues, was purchased for 
 $2,700.00. In 1911 a chapel. '^(ixC.II feet, was erected on these lots at 
 a cost, with furnishings, of about $4,500.00. Up to this time little 
 progress had been made in the advancement of the work. With Hie 
 new and attractive service room and the convenience of the base- 
 ment for Sunday School and social hall, the work became more 
 appealing, and with a pastor on the field new members were added. 
 confirmation classes organized, and the work progressed. 
 
 In February, 1913, Pastor Nystrom resigned, accepting a call to 
 Lindsborg, Kansas, leaving Bethel the following July. Pastor Ny- 
 strom had put his stamp upon the work. With eloquence had hi" 
 filled the pulpit with a gospel of sin and grace that had borne fruit, 
 and his sanctified personality had won the hearts of his people, 
 who fell deeply his departure. 
 
 The Church Council secured Mr. Wilbur Nelson, a student at the 
 
 REV. DANIEL NYSTROM 
 
The Story of The Bethel Church 
 
 71 
 
 Maywood Lutheran Seminary, to fill the pulpit until March, 1014, 
 when Rev. Oscar Purn, who had accepted a tendered call by the 
 Church, arrived and took charge of the work. 
 
 Rev. and Mrs. Purn labored here very energetically. Mrs. Purn 
 serving as organist, for about three years, during which time the 
 communicant membership was increased by about one hundred. The 
 Church now numbered about 175 communicant members. In Febru- 
 ary, 1!)17. Pastor Purn resigned, accepting a call to Monmouth, ill., 
 leaving Bethel in May. He, too, had preached the Word in Bethel 
 and the Law and Gospel bad been rightly divided, with resultant 
 fruits. 
 
 Again the pulpit was vacant. The Church Council was fortunate, 
 however, in a call to the well known missionary. Dr. John Telleen, 
 who came and took charge of the Church in September, 1!)17. With 
 unction and in the queen's English, he filled the pulpit for about 
 one year. 
 
 The members of the Immanuel Church on Sedgwick and Hobbie 
 Streets were gradually moving from her parish. Many of these 
 had become residents in the Bethel Community. During a period of 
 years there had been overtures between some of these members and 
 members of Bethel for a possible union of the two churches. As the 
 writer recalls, the first of these was in the year 1!)12. Later in 1913 
 this took on somewhat of an official formality between the two 
 Church Councils. The time was not yet ripe, however, so nothing 
 came of this. 
 
 In the fall of 1918, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Peterson, 
 pastor of the Immanuel Congregation, and Dr. John Telleen, temporary 
 pastor of Bethel, a union of the two Churches was consummated. 
 The Bethel Church membership united with the Immanuel Church 
 and transferred to it, its property valued at about $12,000. 00, on 
 agreement that Immanuel Church remove to the Kdgewater district 
 and that a new church be built there. A considerable part of this 
 program has been carried out, with Cod's rich blessing upon it, to 
 the mutual welfare of both Churches, so that here ends the history 
 i f the Bethel Congregation as such. 
 
 "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to- 
 gether in Unity." (Ps. V.Y3: 1.) 
 
 REV. OSCAR ['CRN AND FAMILY 
 
THE JUBILEE HANOI ET A I EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL, JANUARY 16, 1928 
 
The Story of the Immanuel Organizations 
 
 EDITH M. BENGTSON 
 
 The Ladies' Aid Society 
 
 The oldest organization in the immanuel Church is the Ladies' 
 Aid Society. Begun in 1860, it has been in constant service for sixty- 
 seven years. The first incentive for special service by the women, 
 was the need of housewifely supervision at Augustana Seminary, 
 then located in the schoolhouse of the Immanuel ('.lunch. It was for 
 the purpose of making cpiilts for the Seminary that a group of women 
 handed together as a society, in the year just mentioned. On Satur- 
 days they did the general cleaning at the Seminary. Furthermore, 
 each one in a motherly way, undertook to look after the personal 
 needs of one of the students. 
 
 After the removal of the Seminary, the society directed its efforts 
 towards aiding the local church. Under the name of the "Mite 
 Society," funds were gathered for part of the interior decorations of 
 the first Sedgwick street church. The society also gave financial aid 
 to the congregation in other ways. 
 
 At each meeting, aside from the regular dues, contributions to he 
 used for outside missions, were received in a savings hank. 
 
 Up until the year 1896, weekly meetings were held. The time was 
 spent in religious programs and in sewing. The women worked 
 diligently and each year raised large sums, principally through auc- 
 tions, which necessitated a great amount of sewing. As long ago as 
 1873, the proceeds from the yearly auction were $1,254.70. 
 
 Since 1896 meetings have been held once each month. 
 
 For a great number of years the society was known as the 
 "Senior Sewing Society." During the past twelve years or more, it 
 has had the name "Ladies' Aid Society." 
 
 Previous to the merger with the Bethel Congregation in 1918, (he 
 pastor served as president. During Dr. Evald's pastorate, Mrs. Evald 
 
 was the secretary. She was succeeded by Mrs. John F. Ericsson, who 
 held this office for a period of sixteen years. In order to relieve the 
 pastor therefrom, Mrs. Ericsson also took charge of much of the de- 
 tail work of the organization. The following have also served ;is 
 secretary, in the order named: Mrs. Ralph (1. Shirey, Mrs. Stuart Gor- 
 anson, and Mrs. \V. .1. Lindstrom, who holds the office at the present 
 time. 
 
 As treasurer the following have served: Mrs. John Blomgren, Mrs. 
 A. G. Gustafson, Mrs. X. M. Thorsson, Mrs. Chas. Harner, Mrs. Edward 
 F. Frickson. Each of the three first mentioned served for several 
 years and the two last named, for a term of two years each. The 
 present treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Ferm, has served one year. 
 
 New strength was added to the society through the merger. 
 when women of the Bethel Ladies' Aid became a pari of the Immanuel 
 Society. At this time Mrs. Simon Johanson was president of the 
 Bethel Aid, and continued to act in that capacity for the Immanuel 
 Ladies' Aid until January, 1923. She was succeeded by Mrs. John E. 
 Ericsson, who served for two years. Thereupon Mrs. Paul F. Mell- 
 ander served as president for one year and was succeeded by Mrs. J. 
 L. Forch, Jr., who has held the office since January. 1926. 
 
 Others who have served as officers during the past five years are 
 the following: as vice president: Mrs. C. O. Bengtson, Mrs. .1. L. Forch. 
 Jr., Mrs. C. F. Peterson, Mrs. E. \V. Lindeen; as financial secretary: 
 Mrs. Enoch Pearson, Mrs. Herman Thorsson, Mrs. A. Hakanson: as 
 organist: Mrs. Paul Mellander, Mrs. George Carlson. Mrs. Oscar John- 
 son, Mrs. J. F. Rehnstrom, Mrs. Perry Brelin. 
 
 In January, 1923, a constitution was adopted by the society, pro- 
 viding, among other things, that no one should hold the same office 
 for more than two consecutive years. 
 
 The society continues to work mainly for tin- local church. 
 
74 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 THE LADIES' AID 
 
 The dues are $3. 00 annually. Additional funds arc raised by 
 dinners, banquets, concerts, sales and free-will donations. 
 
 Up until the time of the fiftieth jubilee celebration of the Church, 
 the sum raised by the society totaled $22,958.82. During the last six 
 years the income has been more than $16,000.00, the amount raised 
 during each of these years exceeding $2,000.00. 
 
 The total receipts for 1!>27 were $2,455.40. Of this amount $986.00 
 was realized through tree-will pledges. From the net income the 
 sum of $2,100.00 was given to help eradicate the present church debt. 
 Smaller amounts have been given during this year as well as in the 
 past, to other causes, including missions. 
 
 It has been an annual custom for some years past, to send Christ- 
 mas gifts to the children al the Augustana Lutheran Orphanage at 
 Andover, Illinois. 
 
 The present membership of the society is 150. 
 
 Meetings are held on the third Thursday afternoon of each month. 
 
 The Immanuel Guild 
 
 In the fall of 1877. Mrs. Annie Evald organized a group of young 
 girls under the name of the "Junior Sewing Society." In 1919 the 
 name was changed to "The Young Ladies' Circle" and in 1927 the 
 present name "The Immanuel Guild" was adopted. 
 
 This is the second oldest organization in the Immanuel Church. 
 It has functioned regularly for more than fifty years. 
 
 During the early years of its existence, this societj manifested 
 very much of a missionary spirit. The first year it worked solely for 
 the orphanage at Andover. Illinois,* "buying and sewing clothing for 
 the children there. 
 
 On October 31st, 1870. the members of the societj went on an 
 excursion to Hock Island and while there presented In Augustana 
 College a large silk Crusader's flag. 
 
 This society was also among the first to give support to Augustana 
 Hospital, making a donation on October .Hist. 1880. of $70.00 to the 
 
^nr\ ri(\<*m** ftft 
 
 THE IMM \Nl EL «.l II. I) 
 
76 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 first subscription raised for the Hospital. Thus it was one of the 
 
 founders of that institution. 
 
 The following year the society again showed a spirit of co- 
 operation towards the institutional work of the Augustan a Synod, by 
 donating $300.00 for a "Memorial Window" in the Chapel at Augustana 
 College. 
 
 During the past lew years, the society has given the greater part 
 of its funds towards the support of the local church, although making 
 some annual donations to institutions and missions. Foremost among 
 tlii' financial responsibilities assumed by this society since 1922, may 
 he mentioned the purchasing and installing of the organ in our pre- 
 sent place of worship, at a cost of $4,000.00. 
 
 On Sunday, December 18th, 11)27, the society, through its presi- 
 dent, presented to the congregation, a Mason and Hamlin concert 
 grand piano. 
 
 Funds have been gathered through dues, which are 83.011 annu- 
 ally, and also by social gatherings, entertainments, savings hanks, 
 concerts, sales and donations. 
 
 Two of the charter members of the organization are still enrolled, 
 Miss Minnie Peterson and Miss Emma Adams. 
 
 Meetings are held the third Tuesday evening of each month. 
 
 The society at this time has eighty-five memhers. 
 
 The following have served as officers for the past two years: 
 Miss Lillian Ericsson, president; Miss Esther Nelson, vice president, 
 Miss Marion Erickson, secretary; Miss Vivian Ericsson, treasurer; 
 Mis. Mamie Elliot, pianist. 
 
 The officers elected to serve for 1!)28 are: Miss Edith Swanson, 
 president; Miss Helen Erickson, vice president; Miss Esther Olson, 
 secretary; Miss Virginia Edgren, treasurer; Miss Alice Olson, pianist. 
 
 J1ZL ~; 
 
 Woman's Mission Society 
 
 The Immanuel Woman's Mission Society has the distinction of 
 being the oldest one in the Mission Society of the Augustana Synod. 
 
 It was organized in August, 1X88, by Mrs. Emmy Evald. Two of 
 its charter members are still active in the society, namely, Mrs. Evald 
 and Miss llanna Lekberg. 
 
 This organization has been affiliated with the Synodical and 
 Conference Mission Societies, since their organization. In addition 
 to meeting its obligations to these, it has also made donations of 
 larger and smaller sums, to foreign, home and inner missions. 
 
 At the time of the drive by the Augustana Mission Society to 
 raise funds for the erection of a Girl's Dormitory at Augustana 
 College, in 1921, the Immanuel Mission Society raised the sum of 
 $2,366.00 for this cause. 
 
 Towards the building cost of the present Immanuel church struc- 
 ture, the society, in 1922, pledged the sum of $500.00, which the mem- 
 bers paid by free-will donations. 
 
 In 102"), the sum of $519.50 was pledged for furnishing the living 
 room at the Augustana Mission Home, located at 303!) Fine drove 
 Avenue, Chicago. This sum was also paid by free-will donations from 
 the members. 
 
 In 1021 a legacy of $200.00 was received from the estate of Nora 
 Nelson, a departed member. 
 
 The membership dues are 25 cents a month. Other sums have 
 been realized through social affairs and mission entertainments. 
 During the past few years, however, the greater part of its funds has 
 been derived through free-will offerings. 
 
 The society co-operates with the Augustana Inner Mission, especi- 
 ally at the midsummer festival at the (look County Almshouse and in 
 giving financial help to needy families at Christmas time. 
 
 Since January 102"), it has carried on the work formerly done b\ 
 the Nursery Society, taking offerings and giving a special social affair 
 during the year for the Augustana Nursery. Workers for the Nurserj 
 tag day are also supplied. 
 
 Much visitation work has been done both for the church and for 
 the society, through committees elected for that purpose. 
 
 Mrs. Emmy Evald was president of the society from the time of 
 its organization until 1010. After that date the pastor served as pre- 
 sident until the year 1024, when Mrs. Louise Lindgren was chosen 
 chairman and served one year. Mrs. C. O. Bengtson was her successor 
 and has served since January, 102"). Mrs. Melinda Banks acted as 
 secretary from the year 1010. until her last illness in .Inly 102."). 
 During the time Mrs. Banks held this office, she took the leading 
 part in all the activities of the organization. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 77 
 
 THE WOMAN'S MISSION SOCIETY 
 
 In 1918, the year of the merger, the society had about sixty mem- 
 bers. In like manner with the Ladies' Aid Society, this organization 
 received several members as a result of the merger. However, this 
 was counterbalanced by the loss sustained when several of its mem- 
 bers left the organization to form a Mission Society in the Central 
 Church. 
 
 The Society now lias an active membership of 100. 
 
 As a rule, meetings are held the first Thursday afternoon of 
 each month. 
 
 Once or more during the year, for (he past few years, the Society 
 has sponsored the Sunday evening service. 
 
 The present officers are: .Mrs. C. 0. Bengtson, president; Mrs. 
 C. F. Peterson, vice president; Mrs. Hanna Forsberg, secretary; Miss 
 Marie Swenson, treasurer; Mrs. ('has. Harner, treasurer of Nursery 
 Fund; Mrs. Oscar Johnson, pianist; Mrs. N. P. Nelson, chairman of 
 visiting committee. 
 
 A subsidiary organization to this society is the "Morning Star," 
 which holds only one meeting during the year. This usually takes 
 place in the Immanuel Woman's Home, when the dues, ranging from 
 $3.00 and upward, are received. The total income is given to China 
 Missions. The amount thus received last year was $171.50. The 
 officers of this society are: Sister Frida Half, president; Miss Tillie 
 Munson, treasurer. 
 
THE HOME CIRI 1 I 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 79 
 
 The Mission Hand 
 
 The .Mission Band was organized at about the same time :is the 
 Woman's Mission Society, on August 18th, 1NN<S. It is perhaps the 
 oldest Mission Band in the Augustana Synod. 
 
 Mrs. Emmy Evald was its first president. Mrs. Mary Mellander, 
 who was its first vice-president, succeeded Mrs. Evald as president. 
 
 Since the Saturday Bible School was begun in the church, the 
 Mission Band and the School have been closely identified, having 
 about the same members and being under the leadership of Miss Edla 
 Magney, the parish secretary. 
 
 The Mission Hand is a member of tin 1 Illinois Conference Junior 
 Mission Society and contributes towards its work. 
 
 Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of the month, al 10:30 
 a. m.. except during the summer. 
 
 The present membership is thirty-four and the officers are: Elea- 
 nor Nelson, president; Marion Thorson, secretary; Marion Rehnstrom, 
 treasurer. 
 
 The Home Circle 
 
 'the Home Circle was organized at the home of Dr. and Mrs. (',. 
 A. Evald, on July 12th, 1902. The first officers were Mrs. Emmy 
 Evald, president; Herman Thorsson, vice-president; Mrs. Emil Swen- 
 son, secretary; John Ericsson, treasurer. 
 
 'fhe chief aim of this society has been to create a more intimate 
 acquaintance between the younger married folks of the church. 
 
 In the February, 1918, issue of our church paper, we read: "Like 
 Rip Van Vinkle, the Home Circle of our church has awakened after 
 a long, sound sleep. On Jan. 19th, it rubbed its eves and was amazed 
 to find itself in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Anderson." At 
 that time Herman M. Thorsson was elected president and served in 
 that capacity until the time of his death. He had also previously been 
 its president for several years. 
 
 Since its revival, the society has continued to meet on the third 
 Saturday evening of each month in the homes of members. 
 
 The present officers arc Edward E. Erickson, president; Bert 
 Larson, vice-president; Mrs. Enoch Pearson, secretary; E. Robt. Lar- 
 son, treasurer. 
 
 The Tract Society 
 
 There is no record as to the exact time of the organization of the 
 Tract Society. Early in the history of the church there was an 
 organization known as "The Society for Inner Missions." On account 
 of the dishonesty of two of its hired workers or lay preachers, this 
 society was disrupted. It was, therefore, deemed advisable to re- 
 organize and carry on the work under different plans and a different 
 name. This was done and the new organization was called "The 
 Trad Society." The members carried on the work without the 
 assistance of paid workers. One very important feature of Hie 
 activities of the society was the distribution annually of thousands 
 of religious tracts, written in many languages. 
 
 This society was also instrumental in organizing many of the 
 Augustana churches which later came into existence. Among them 
 may be mentioned especially the Trinity, Zion and Saion churches. 
 The members of the society carried on the work in these congrega- 
 tions until such time as the congregations felt able to call a pastor. 
 
 In other ways too. the Tract Society was a great spiritual force 
 in the church. Unselfishly and diligently it labored for the upbuild- 
 ing of the Lord's Kingdom. 
 
 There came the time, however, when members of the society re- 
 moved to other churches, which made it difficult to carry on the 
 work efficiently. But the need for such service existed Increasingly, 
 and, gradually, it became evident to the people of the Augustana 
 churches in our city that there should he a general agency to cany 
 on this kind of work. As a consequence, the Augustana Inner Mission 
 was organized by certain individuals and during the past few years 
 it has effectively carried on the work formerly done by the Tract 
 Society. However, on account of some property holdings the Society 
 is still in lej^al existence and meets at the call of the president. 
 
 The officers are Lev. C. O. Bengtson, president; C. F. Peterson, 
 secretary; X. 1'. Nelson, treasurer. There are three trustees. Dr. P. 
 Win. Thorelius, Chas. Hanks, and X. P. Nelson. 
 
 The Luther League 
 During the years when the large adult Bible classes flourished, 
 the young people were so active in them that the necessity for a 
 Luther League was not felt. Consequently a League was not organ- 
 
80 
 
 The Story of Tin I \i u nnukt. Organizations 
 
 THE I. II lll.li I.I.Ai.l I 
 
 ized until September 15th, 1914. The first officers were: Perry B. 
 Brelin, president; Paul Thorelius, vice-president; Ellen Hanson (now 
 Mrs. Elmer I.. Carlson), recording secretary; Huth Nelson (now Mrs. 
 Edward P. Johnson), corresponding secretary; Elmer I.. Carlson, 
 treasurer. 
 
 Since the time the League was organized, the church has gone 
 through main changes, which may reasonably account for the fact 
 thai this societj lias not enjoyed a steads growth. When the merger 
 look place a numher of members were received from the Bethel 
 
 Church. The Bethel League at one time had a large membership, and 
 made itself felt, not only in the local church, hut in the League move- 
 ment of the city. However, adverse circumstances had depleted its 
 ranks, considerably, when it joined the Immanuel League. 
 
 The aim of the League is to foster a true church spiril and pro- 
 mote Christian fellowship among the young people, rather than to 
 lend any substantial financial support to the local church. 
 
 The League is affiliated with, and contributes to the support of 
 the Conference Luther League. In June, 1922, it pledged $200.00 to- 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 THE MENS CLUB 
 
 wards the building fund of the church, which sum has been paid, and 
 during the past year $40.00 additional was contributed to the same 
 cause. 
 
 Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of 
 each month. The programs are given by local and outside talent. 
 
 For the past few years the League has given a conceit and wake 
 service on New Year's Eve. 
 
 Occasionally, visits are made by the Society to the (look County 
 Almshouse and at Christmas the League participates in the special 
 charitable work done at that time by the chinch. 
 
 The dues are 111 cents a meeting or $2.00 a year. 
 
 The present officers are: Harold Nelson, president; Miss Evelyn 
 
 Hakanson, vice-president; Miss Fern Ilarner, recording secretary; 
 Miss Inna Erickson and Miss Marion Thorson, corresponding secre- 
 taries; Edward Swanson, treasurer; Miss Ella Williamson, pianist. 
 The present enrollment is fifty-five. 
 
 The Men's Club 
 For many years past, there have been various organizations in the 
 church in which the men have taken an active part. The first among 
 these was the Tract Society. Later, in 1881). came the Men's Mission 
 Society, a subsidiary organization to the Tract Society. In 11*11 an- 
 other mission society was organized under Rev. Jonson's direction to 
 do home mission work on the local field. There were also Bible 
 
82 
 
 The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 chisscs mid Literary Societies in which large groups of nun were 
 enrolled. 
 
 The need for ;i separate men's organization was very much em- 
 phasized in the days of the World War. In February, 1!)1<S, the 
 National Lutheran Commission made an appeal for $750,000.00, to be 
 used for religious work in the national camps and naval stations. In 
 order successfully to meet this appeal, the organization of Lutheran 
 men's societies became very general throughout the country. At this 
 time brotherhoods came into existence in both the Bethel and die 
 limnanuel churches. As an aftermath of this movement the Augustana 
 Lutheran Brotherhood, with which the present men's organization in 
 Hie Immanuel church is affiliated, came into existence. 
 
 Activity in the organization slacked up somewhat for a period 
 after the war, due, no doubt, partly to the lac! that the original need 
 had been removed and also because of the many other pressing duties 
 and problems confronting all the members during the merger and 
 building program. As soon as possible, however, interest was re- 
 vived, under the leadership of David P. Chindblom, and a brother 
 hood, since known as the Men's Club, is now a strong factor in the 
 church. 
 
 Meetings are held on the second Wednesday evening of each 
 month, at which speakers of national and international repute have 
 been heard. The organization also occasionally sponsors the Sunday 
 evening service. For the past three years it has arranged an outing 
 which has been held during the month of June, in the Forest Pre- 
 serves north of Chicago. These outings have been largely attended 
 and have taken the place of the Sunday School picnics formerly held. 
 
 The aim of the organization is primarily to create a deeper in- 
 terest in the church among the men rather than to achieve large re- 
 sults financially. 
 
 The dues are $3.00 annually. Additional funds have been raised 
 in order to pay the obligations of the society to the Conference and 
 Synodical Brotherhoods. The sum of $100.00 was given to the local 
 church during the past year. 
 
 'the Club now has a membership of 100. 
 
 The present officers are: Stuart (ioranson, president; Archie 
 Wessman, vice-president; Charles Carlson, secretary; Bay Granstrom, 
 treasurer. 
 
 ■ ( J 
 
 Raff f i 
 
 iff ■ 
 
 •IT- 
 
 If 1 
 
 1 
 
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 — • 1 
 
 Till; GLEANERS 
 
 The Gleaners 
 
 On November l.S. 1925, a group of young girls, under the direc- 
 tion of Miss Edla Magney, the parish secretary, organized the 
 Gleaner's Society. The principal aim of this society is to work for 
 missions. 
 
 On October 1!), li)27. the society voted to become affiliated with 
 the Young Women's Mission Society of the Augustana Synod. 
 
 Meetings are held on the third Wednesday evening of each month. 
 
 The sum of $65.00, realized from a concert given bj the members 
 of tlu 1 organization, was donated to. the building and debt fund of the 
 church, in November, 1027. 
 
 This society also takes part in the Christinas charity work 
 carried on by the chinch. 
 
 The dues aic twenty cents a month. 
 
 The present enrollment is twenty, and the officers are: Irma 
 Erickson, president; Eleanor Nelson, vice-president; Mildred Cameron. 
 secretary; Ellen Williamson, treasurer. 
 
The Story of The Immanuel Organizations 
 
 83 
 
 Immanuel Woman's Home 
 
 The Immanuel Woman's Home Association, though never legally 
 a part of the church, was organized by members of the church in 
 January, li)l)7. Dr. C. A. Evald was its first president. 
 
 In July 1!)()7, it was incorporated and its first house, located at 
 1505 North La Salle Street, was purchased for the sum of $7,500.00. 
 
 The purpose of the Association was to establish a hospice for 
 young women. 
 
 The undertaking has prospered, until the Home is now able to 
 care for 140 women and has property of great value. Plans are also 
 being made for additional new buildings to be erected at some future 
 time. 
 
 During the twenty years of its existence the home has been under 
 the general supervision of Sister Frida Half. 
 
 The officers of the Association are: Mrs. Emmy Evald, president; 
 Mrs. Peter Peterson, vice president; Miss Inga Swenson, secretary; 
 Mrs. John E. Ericsson, treasurer. Other members of the Hoard are: 
 Mrs. J. (). Broman, Mrs. .1. L. Forch, Jr., Miss Lottie Frejd, Mrs. F. (). 
 Jacobson, Mrs. John A. Helsing, Mrs. X. P. Nelson, Miss Justin Peter- 
 son, Mrs. (]. 0. Bengtson, Sister Frida Half. 
 
 The Bethesda and Bethania Sick Benefit Societies 
 
 The Bethesda Sick Benefit Society for men, was organized on 
 April 8, 1878, for the purpose of giving financial aid to members at 
 times of sickness and death. Its first president was Dr. ('.. A. Evald. 
 
 For several years the Society enjoyed a prosperous existence. In 
 1903 it had a membership of 239. 
 
 At present the membership is negligible. 
 
 Thi' present officers are: (i. \Y. Malmquist, president; Robert 
 Gustafson, secretary; August Anderson, treasurer; E. Robert Larson, 
 financial secretary. 
 
 The Bethania Sick Benefit Society for women was organized in 
 1905. Its first president was Mrs. Emmy Evald. 
 
 Though the society has had no growth for some years, it still 
 has a membership of 120. 
 
 The dues are $3.00 annually, with an extra assessment of $1.00 
 upon the death of a member. 
 
 Sick benefit is paid at the rate of $4.00 weekly, not to exceed 
 $32.00 to any one member in the same year. The amount paid at 
 death is $100.00. 
 
 The following are the officers: Miss Inga Swenson, president; 
 Mrs. (".has. Hanson, vice president; Mrs. Olof Thorson, secretary; Miss 
 Gerda Larson, financial secretary; Miss Marie Swenson, treasurer. 
 
 Various uncontrollable changes during recent years, are re- 
 sponsible for the decline in membership of these organizations. 
 
 1 
 
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 8 
 
 ImULo 
 
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 THE Aim. I I |< \sso< l VI Ki\ 
 
Publication Committee 
 
 s Wll II. I.. ANDERSON 
 
 ('.. FIU'.I) PETERSON 
 
 LEON Mil) ANDERSON 
 
 II. .1. ERICKSON 
 
The Jubilee Program, January 8-16, 1928 
 
 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, JANUARY 8 
 
 9:30 A.M. — Sunday School 
 Special singing by the School. 
 The Scripture Lesson by Dorothy Sutherlund. 
 Recitation, "My Church" by Aileen Kallerud. 
 Address by Rev. P. Arthur Johnson. 
 
 10:45 A.M. — Holy Communion 
 
 Prelude, "Requiescat in Pace" Sowerby 
 
 Hymn !)2 (Processional. The congregation rises and joins in 
 singing at stanza 3). 
 
 Opening Sentence. 
 
 'I be Communion Exhortation. 
 
 The Liturgy (The Common Service). 
 
 Rev. P. Arthur Johnson and the pastor. 
 
 The Epistle. Romans 12: 1-."). 
 
 Hymn 488. 
 
 The Gospel, Luke 2: 42-52. 
 
 'I he Apostle's Creed. 
 
 Anthem, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place" Brahms 
 
 Hymn 34!) (omit stanzas 2 and 3). 
 
 Prayer and Response. 
 
 The Sermon, by Rev. P. Arthur Johnson, President of the As- 
 sociation of English Churches. 
 
 Anthem, "I Am the Bread of Life" Matheus 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Offertory Solo, "Ave Maria" Rosewig 
 
 u,.. ,,,,.,. Mrs. Julia Rehnstrom 
 
 The Communion Liturgy (Music ed. p. (il(i, text ed. p. (124). 
 Postlude, "Fantasie and Fugue (i minor" Bach 
 
 4:30 P.M. — Reunion of Confirmation Classes 
 In the Central Church (The Old Immanuel) 
 Sedgwick and Hobbie Streets 
 Reception, 4:30 to 7:00 o'clock; Refreshments, 6:00 o'clock; 
 Annual Meeting, 7:00 o'clock; Program, 7:30 o'clock. 
 Mr. Victor L. Erickson, the Reunion President. 
 Several anthems by the Immanuel Church Choir. 
 Mrs. Emmy Evald, the principal speaker. 
 
 Brief addresses by Rev. E. K. Jonson, Dr. Julius Lincoln, 
 Rev. Herbert W. Linden, and the pastor. 
 
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 
 
 8:00 P.M. — Concert 
 
 Concert given by the organist and choir director. Mr. Carl 
 
 VY. Broman, in appreciation of the gilt of a new grand piano. 
 
 installed by the Immanuel Guild. Mr. 15. Fred Wise, Tenor, 
 
 assisting. A free-will offering. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 
 8:00 P.M. — Ladies' Night 
 
 Sponsored by the Ladies' Aid Society, the Woman's Mission 
 Society, and the Immanuel Guild. 
 
 Mrs. .1. L. Forch, Jr., Presiding. 
 
 Mrs. Emmy Evald, the main speaker. 
 
 Remarks by Mrs. C. 0. Bengtson, Miss Lillian Ericsson, 
 Sister Frida Haff, Sister Tillie Jones, and the pastor. 
 
 Music by the Schubert Trio and Miss Ella Rasmussen. 
 
 Vocal Solos by Mrs. Rudolph Oden. 
 
 A free-will offering. A social hour, with refreshments, 
 after the program. 
 
86 
 
 The Jubilee Program 
 
 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Hymn 500. 
 
 8:00 P.M. — Prayer Service The Gospel, John 2: 1-11. 
 
 Led by the pastor. The Apostles' Creed. 
 
 Anthem, "Sanctus" Gounod 
 
 8:30 P.M. - Men's Night Hymn „_ 
 
 Under the auspices of the Men's Club. Pnm>r ., n( , Response# 
 
 Mr. Stuart Goranson, presiding. The Sermon by I)r G A Brandelle, President of the Augustana 
 
 Mr. David P. Chindblom, the main speaker. Svnod 
 
 Brief addresses by Mr. Albert B. Anderson, Mr. Victor L. Anthem, "Cherubim Seng" Bortnyanskv 
 
 l-.riekson, and Mr. P. Martin Granstrom. n,,,,,.,-!,., 
 
 iieniai ks. 
 
 Vocal Solos by Mr. Archer Ballantme. Offertorv 
 
 Organ numbers by Mr. Carl W. Broman. Praver 
 
 A free-will offering. A social hour, with refreshments, Doxo i g y 664 (Congregation standing), 
 
 after the program. Thc Genera] Rrayer Th( , P()n ,, s pr;iy( , r 
 
 Hymn 358. 
 
 FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 The Benediction. 
 
 8:00 P.M. — Young People's Night Postlude, "Conceit Variations" Bonnet 
 
 The Luther League, the Cleaners, and thc Mission Baud 
 
 cooperating. 3:30 P.M. — Jubilee Rally Service 
 
 Mr. Harold T. Nelson, presiding. Prelude. "Festival Prelude on 'Kin Feste Burg'" Faulkes 
 
 Rev. Herbert W. Linden, speaker. Hymn 204 (Processional. The congregation rises and joins in 
 
 Pageant presenting Immanuel history, prepared by Miss singing at stanza 3). 
 
 Lillian Ericsson in consultation with Mrs. Emmy Evald. The Scripture Lesson and Prayer, by Dr. Peter Peterson. 
 
 A free-will offering. A social hour, with refreshments, Anthem. "Build Thee More Stately Mansions" Andrews 
 
 alter the program. Remarks. 
 
 Hymn 271. 
 
 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, JANUARY 15 Address, by Rev. Philip G. Thelander of Batavia. Illinois. 
 
 0:30 A.M. - Sundav School with festive program Sol °- " In M * Fathers House" MacDermid 
 
 Address by Mr. Samuel L. Anderson. Ml " John Pedderson, Baritone. 
 
 Address, by Rev. Daniel Nystrom ol Jamestown, New iork. 
 
 10:45 A.M. — Jubilee Morning Worship Anthem, "The Heavens are Telling" from "The Creation" Haydn 
 
 Prelude, "Choral Prelude on the tune' 'St. Kilda'" Noble Offertory, "A Fountain Reverie" • Fletcher 
 
 Hymn 273 (Processional. The congregation rises and joins in Prayer. 
 
 singing at stanza 3). Hymn 261. (The congregation standing). 
 
 Opening Sentence. The Benediction, by Dr. E. G. Chinlund. 
 
 The Liturgy (The Common Service). Postlude. "Sonata II. first movement" Borowski 
 
 Rev. Daniel Nystrom and the pastor. A social hour and refreshments. The refreshments served. 
 
 The Epistle, Romans 12: 6-16. at a nominal sum by the Home Circle. 
 
The Jubilee Program 
 
 87 
 
 8:00 P.M. — Jubilee Evensong 
 
 Preludes, "Choral Prelude, 'Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart'" Sowerby 
 
 "Will o' the Wisp" Nevin 
 
 "Sun rise" Grieg-Fricker 
 
 Hymn W'll (Processional. The congregation rises and joins in 
 singing at stanza 3). 
 
 The Liturgy. (The Common Service Vespers). 
 
 Anthem. "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place" Brahms 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 Anthems, "Jesus Friend of Sinners" Grieg 
 
 "Hosanna" Christiansen 
 
 The Sermon, by Dr. Peter Peterson, President of the Illinois 
 Conference. 
 
 Anthem, "Gloria" from the "Twelfth Mass" Mozart 
 
 Offertory Solo, "Today, If Ye Will Hear His Voice" Rogers 
 
 Mr. John Pedderson 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Hymn 361. (The congregation standing). 
 
 The Closing Liturgy. 
 
 Postlude, "Tocatta from the V Symphony" Widor 
 
 MONDAY, JANUARY 16th 
 
 7:00 P.M. — Jubilee Banquet at the Edgewater Beach Hotel 
 
 Toastmaster, The Pastor. 
 
 America Audience 
 
 Invocation Dr. Peter Peterson 
 
 Address Rev. E. K. Jonson 
 
 Address Dr. Gustav A. Andreen, Pres. Augustana College 
 
 Greeting Swedish Consul, Mr. Bo Ribbing 
 
 Remarks Mr. Edward E. Erickson, Treasurer, Bldg. Fund. 
 
 Remarks and Burning of the Mortgage (figurately) Mr. Walter 
 A. Goranson. 
 
 Doxology Audience 
 
 Benediction Dr. E. G. Chinlund 
 
 Singing by Mr. John Pedderson, baritone, and instrumental 
 numbers by Miss Beulah Rosene and Mr. Carl \V. Broman. 
 
 Appointed 
 
 by the 
 
 Congregation 
 
 Anniversary Committee 
 
 Rev. C. O. Bengtson, Chairman 
 C. F. Peterson, Publication 
 W. A. Goranson, Banquet, Publicity 
 j Samuel L. Anderson, Publication 
 H. J. Erickson, Publication 
 Dr. P. Wm. Thorelius, Banquet 
 { Leonard Anderson, Scc'y. and Pub. 
 
 Sunday School Geo. H. Nelson 
 
 Ladies' Aid Mrs. J. L. Porch, Jr., Banquet 
 
 Woman's Mission Society, Mrs. C. O. Bengtson, Publication 
 
 Immanuel Guild Lillian M. Ericsson 
 
 Choir Oscar F. Johnson, Banquet 
 
 Luther League Edw. Svvanson 
 
 Mission Band and Gleaners. Edla Magney, Photographs 
 
 Confirmation Reunion Victor L. Erickson, Publicity 
 
 Men's Club Stuart Goranson 
 
 Home Circle Edw. E. Erickson, Banquet 
 
PR I NT ED BY 
 
 Harold O. Windahl 
 
 CH I CAGO. I LL. 
 1 928 
 
KW-wV'<WWSWJ 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 3 0112 031887190