Immanuel Lutheran Church Began when First Lutheran, Daneville, Oslo and Scandia Congregations
were realigned to become one congregation on February 1, 1963. Our Savior's congregation
joined Immanuel on January 1, 1968.Our roots, from these congregations, go back much further than
our  years at Immanuel.  First Lutheran congregation was organized November 5, 1910,
Daneville on July 6, 1906, Oslo on August 17, 1908, and Scandia in 1910.  Our
Savior's was organized on Sept 19, 1946 when Pleasant Valley and Lone Tree
congregations merged together.

Immanuel's first congregational meeting was held on January 29, 1963, where the
Constitution and By-laws, a budget and a Letter of Call were voted on.  Milton
Andersen was appointed as Lay Assistant.  Immanuel's first pastor was the
Reverend Richard D. Forde who was serving First Lutheran and Our Savior's
at the the time of realignment in 1963.  Pastor Forde's resignation was accepted
July 21, 1963 and he moved to Richland, WA.  Congregational meetings were
recessed and reconvened many times from July to December waiting for an
acceptance to the many Letters of Call that were sent out.

The Reverend Joel A Nelson, a graduate of Luther Seminary, began here July 9,
1964, inspite of a spring snowstorm dumping a foot of snow as they came
to lead worship on Easter Sunday.  Under his guidance and with the cooperation
of the members, the ALCW made a smooth transition from four groups into one.

During 1965-66, the ALCW purchased a new organ, made garments for Vietnam
orphans, helped an Alaskan Mission and the council held discussions about the
possibility of moving the Daneville Church to Westby and connecting the two
churches to make more room.  The Congregation decided a new structure was
needed and a Building Fund was established.

In December 0f 1966, Pastor Nelson met with Dr. Daehlin, Assistant to the Bishop,
and members of St. John's and Emmaus congregations to consider the possibility of
Pastor Nelson serving them also.  This arrangement was worked out and resulted in
congregations forming the Westby Lutheran Parish.  The ALCW that year published
a cookbook and hosted the fall Seminar.

In May of 1968 plans and financing were discussed.  The site for the new building would
be the land donated by Mrs. Rose Nereson and Herman Nereson.

Pastor Nelson and family moved to Malta parish on June 1, 1968.  The Reverend Milan
C. Ingman, a graduate of Luther Seminary, began serving June 30, 1968.

At a special congregational meeting in August, the decision was made to give the Danville
Church to the Historical Society at Crosby, North Dakota.

On June 1, 1969, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site of the new church
building.  The service reflected the congregations' intention to build a house of worship
where the Gospel is proclaimed and taught, the Holy Scriptures heard and studied, the
Sacraments faithfully administered; where people would gather for worship and praise,
find comfort, forgiveness, and be assured of the resurrection in times of sorrow and grief;
where young people would be brought for baptism and instruction, and where faithful
members would find strength for their tasks in the church and in the world.

The ALCW threw its efforts into fundraising events for the new building, including a
community auction, which helped to supply carpet and furnishings.  They also hosted
the Conference Convention.

It is often said that building programs test the character of a pastor and a congregation,
but Immanuel seemed to have more than it share of struggles! Yet, through prayers, God's
guidance and plenty of hard work, they were able to see the building through to
completion.  The bulletin of August 9, 1970, contained joyous plans for the celebration,
"Next Sunday is the long-awaited occasion for Immanuel Lutheran Church as they begin
using the new building.  The congregation and guests will gather at the old building for a
service of closing, walk to the new church, hold a brief service for a service of entrance,
then enter for the first time as a congregation.  The full worship service will begin at
11:00am with a dinner to follow."  Pastor Ingman remembers that, "the sermon theme
was 'Don't look back!' it was about time, we thought, to put away the painful memories
of our struggles in merging and building and face the future with confidence and purpose.

Even brighter and more glorious was the day we dedicated our beautiful new church,
complete with a huge lighted chancel cross, new altar, pulpit, communion rail and pews.
August 8, 1971 was hot summer day.  Tears of joy mingled with sweat from our brows
as we sang praise to god for all he had done in us and through us.

The Assistant to the Bishop, The Rev. Norman G. Wick officiated at the service and many
pastors from the area and former pastors of the congregations were in attendance that
afternoon.

Between October 1970 and February 1971, Plans were made to sell the old Immanuel
church building and lot to the St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic congregation.  Later the Oslo
Church and pew were sold to the Assembly of God congregation and the building was
 move to a Main Street location.  The cornerstone contents from the churches were kept
to be placed in the Cornerstone at Immanuel.

Pastor Ingman and his family moved to Sidney, MT on June 24, 1973.  The Rev. John
Knapp, a graduate of Luther Seminary, began his ministry July 15, 1973.

On Nov. 11 1973, the congregation celebrated its 10th Anniversary and dedicated
new church.  Rev. Knapp and Rev. Ingman preached at this special service.  This note
was in the bulletin, "We also celebrate the sucessful merger of ideas and concern for
the work of God's kingdom in the world and in the Westby area.  United we stand today
and proclaim the Gospel."