His Story
God Tells His Story Through Us
Uncover the rich history of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lethbridge, Alberta.
New Beginnings (1900-10)
Rev. Emil Eberhardt, the first Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod missionary to Western Canada, recommends preaching stations in Southern Alberta.
In 1909, Immanuel Lutheran Church begins its ministry as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States. Services are held in a private home on the north side, and the congregation is served by a student: F. Zehe.
A Christian day school is started with an enrollment of 14 children.
Laying Roots (1911-20)
From 1911-1913, Immanuel is served by Rev. O.A. Groth.
1914-1920 Immanuel is served by Rev. H. Elling.
Several small communities are served by the pastor, including Warner, Milk River, Coutts, Wrentham, Magrath, Cardston, Coalhurst, Diamond City, Monarch, Grassy Lake, and others no longer in existence such as Fluann, Goddard, and Glenwoodville.
A Ladies Aid is established.
In 1920, Rev. Elling is succeeded by Pastor E. H. Krieger.
December 5, 1920, a constitution is adopted and written in German.
Establishment and Initial Growth (1921-40)
In 1923, Pastor M. Cohrs succeeds Pastor Krieger.
The first Walther League is established.
In 1929, Rev. W. Trinklein succeeds Pastor Cohrs.
The congregation worships at the church’s 15th Street and 6th Avenue location.
1931 – 1956 Rev. V. Eichenlaub
Worship services are conducted in both English and German.
1940 Roster shows 120 baptized members
Expansion and Rapid Growth (1941-60)
Preaching stations were added in Kippen, Birdsholm, and MacLeod.
1951 – Huge influx of immigrants; as many as 1000 worshipers each Sunday.
1954 Immanuel relocates to 18th Street and 6th Avenue South.
1957 – 1966 Pastor John Ohlinger.
Vacation Bible School is initiated.
1960 Congregation becomes officially known as Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lethbridge, Alberta.
1961 – 1970
- 1966 – December 1973 Rev. Walter Schoepp
- Christian Education is instituted (Saturday school, confirmation, and adult Bible classes)
- 1969 Parish worker Evelyn Klaus
- Immanuel celebrates 60th anniversary; Rev. Eichenlaub is guest speaker.
- 1970 Special voter’s meeting, voting membership changed to include women
- 1970 – 1972 Elizabeth Walker, Parish worker
1971 – 1980
- 1972 Sigrid Henrich is hired as Secretary; serves for 32 years
- 1974 – 1979 Pastor Paul Koester
- 1980 begins to investigate the idea of adding to 6 Ave. church. Especially a narthex improvement
- June 1980 – 1988 Pastor Ron Mayan
- Marriage Enrichment Program begins
1981 – 1990
- 1984 Immanuel celebrates 75th anniversary
- 1985 – 1995 Rev. Michael Colbeck (co-Pastor)
- 1989 – 1998 Paul Schoepp, Director of Christian Education
- 1990 offices move to Parsonage; computer system is purchased
- Immanuel adopts constitution, December 10, 1990
1991-2000
- Active programs include: Cradle Roll, Sunday School, Confirmation, Kids for Christ, Youth, Prayer Chain, LWML, Braille Centre, Dates for Mates, Shepard’s Assistants
- 1993 – Habitat for Humanity Lethbridge is initiated and supported by Immanuel; office space is provided in the parsonage
- 1996 – 2012- Rev. Richard Brown (Retired)
- 1996 Christmas Cantata, “Silent Was The Night”
- 1997 members participate in the 5-day Spiritual Adventure
- 1998 Shirley Masnyk elected as first female congregational chairman; holds office for 10 years
- 1999 Immanuel Lutheran Church enters the Internet as first website is created.
- 1999 – 2000 DPS intern Erin Nast
- 2000 – 2005 DPS Anne Marie Schwartz
- Immanuel hosts “By All Possible Means” Evangelism Conference in the fall of 2000 for over 80 participants from Southern Alberta
New Location (2001 – 2019)
- October 28, 2001 – installation and dedication of sign at present location, 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd W
- September 2003 mortgage on present lot is paid off
- 2003 German Carol Service is initiated
- February 2004, Irm Kuhn, Secretary
- April 1, 2004, ground breaking at 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd.
- June 12, 2005 Final service at 539 18th Street South
- June 19, 2005 First service held at 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd.
- 2005 James Avery, vicar
- 2006 Glenn Worcester, vicar
- 2008 Little Lambs Preschool is initiated
- 2009 – 2016 Pastor Nathan Fuehrer (Associate Pastor)
- November 15, 2009 Immanuel Lutheran Church celebrates 100 years of ministry.
- 2016-2017 Rev. Richard Brown (Pastor Emeritus) assists in shut-in ministry
- 2016-2018 – Pastor Robert Mohns – Intentional Interim Pastor
- May 2018-Present – Pastor Lee Loveridge
Post-Pandemic (2020-Present)
2020
March
“Couch Church” begins online in response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Charlotte Emard is hired as Church Office Administrator, replacing Irm Kuhn’s secretary position
Kalie Dye and Nikola Kays are hired as Preschool Teachers
Kris Heidebrecht is hired as Communications Coordinator
2021
First worship service livestream
2022
June
Retirement of the debt celebration takes place on June 5th.
2023
Kris Heidebrecht accepts new role as Director of Family Life
Colin Froese is hired as Communications Coordinator to replace Kris Heidebrecht
2024
Tracey S. is hired as Church & Preschool Office Manager
Allison Napper is hired as Worship Coordinator
2026
Helena Golinowski is hired as Music Director
Kristian Eufemia is hired as Communications Coordinator