EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – FROM THE BEGINNING
In September, 1928, a small group of dedicated Christians gathered at the Elyria Women’s Club to worship together for the first time. Dr. J.S. Herold, Missionary Superintendent of the State of Ohio, serving the United Lutheran Church in America ( U.L.C.A.), delivered the sermon. First Lutheran Church of Lorain provided special music. This was the beginning of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Emmanuel’s first pastor was Harold A. Sayles, who was a seminary student at Hamma Divinity School in Springfield, Ohio. Sayles commuted each Sunday to conduct worship services in Elyria. Following his graduation from Hamma in May, 1929, Pastor Sayles accepted a unanimous call to become Emmanuel’s pastor! He married onJune 19, 1929, and moved to Elyria with his wife. During Sayles’ tenure, Emmanuel’s leadership took on the task of planning and juggling finances, in its search for an appropriate building site. Three lots were purchased at 360 Princeton Ave, for $12,350.00 on August 16,1929. Construction of the building soon began, designed as a replica of an English Wayside Chapel, was completed and dedicated in December, 1931. Pastor Sayles served at Emmanuel until 1935.
Dr. Jussen L. Urich was called as Emmanuel’s second pastor in December, 1935. He began his ministry during a difficult time, as the church worked to form its identity. But Dr. Urich remained committed to his call, and was ably assisted by his wife, Maude, whose faithful service spread good will within the church. During his 18 years of service, Emmanuel’s membership multiplied by more than 500% and a solid financial base was established. Dr. Urich could assume a formidable presence when he thought it necessary, but his catechetical students remember his lively sense of humor. Upon his retirement in the summer of 1953, Dr. Urich was honored by election as “Pastor Emeritus” at Emmanuel, the only pastor to achieve that status.
An Elyria native returned to his home church in the fall of 1953. The Reverend James L. Lumadue had previously attended Sunday School, Luther League and catechism classes at Emmanuel. He drew in many people and activities to the church. At his side was his wife, Sally, whom he met when they were students at Wittenberg College. In 1956 a new wing, Luther Hall, was dedicated, adding a pastor’s study, a meeting lounge, Sunday School rooms and restrooms. Pastor Lumadue served as Emmanuel’s pastor until 1961.
The Reverend Robert F. Hall became Emmanuel’s 4th pastor in 1961. During his 13 year tenure a number of significant changes occurred at Emmanuel. A site was chosen and plans began to build a new parsonage on Hartford Drive, replacing the one on the church site. Pastor Hall and his family moved in during the summer of 1961. Christian education facilities were expanded within the church to reach the needs of the community. A weekday church preschool was organized for ages 3-6, directed by Marie Hall, pastor’s wife. The twenty-two stained glass windows at Emmanuel were crafted and installed by The Willet Stained Glass Studios in Philadelphia, Pa. Pastor Hall initiated the project in 1965 and was completed in 1972. Donations from members of the congregation financed the project.
In January, 1969, a mission church was organized on the north side of town, Redeemer Lutheran. A number of Emmanuel’s members transferred to Redeemer to assist in this growth project. Pastor Hall was an early proponent of liturgical renewal and introduced a new service book with a revised liturgy, weekly celebration of Holy Communion, liturgical vestments, and chant. Pastor Hall remained with Emmanuel until 1974, when he accepted a call in Miflin, Ohio.
James H. McKinley became Emmanuel’s fifth pastor in 1974. His wife, Jane, became an integral part of the church preschool, among her other activities. During Pastor McKinley’s ministry, projects were undertaken to reinforce the brick work and foundation of the church, and to protect the stained glass windows. The church basement received a major renovation in 1978, when a new heating system was installed. An additional mortgage in the amount of $25,000.00 was approved to meet these expenses. Emmanuel Lutheran was one of the first churches in what was then the Ohio Synod to introduce the new Lutheran Book of Worship on Reformation Sunday in 1978. Pastor McKinley introduced the ‘lay assistant’ role (Assisting Minister). Pastor McKinley remained at Emmanuel until 1986, when he and his family returned to New Jersey.
Pastor Paul E. Jaster joined Emmanuel on March 15, 1987, shortly after he married Laurie Miller, who was then a pastor in the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). Under Pastor Jaster’s leadership, church council began plans to improve and expand its house of worship. A master task force was formed to work with an architect to fashion a vision, which the congregation accepted in February, 2001. Following approval of “Faith Odyssey 2001,” successful fund raising brought in pledges of more than $800,000.00 over a 3 year period. A building committee was formed to work with the architect, bids were accepted, and Williams Brothers was chosen to put the master plan into action.
By April, 2003, the project was completed. The sanctuary was turned around, highlighting the stained glass windows on the south wall. New lighting brightens the area, which was painted and carpeted. The altar was refinished and is now free standing. A choir section is now at the rear of the sanctuary. A gathering area at the entrance to the sanctuary was added, with a lounge close by. An entry to the church is available from the parking lot. A handicapped restroom is available on the first level, along with an elevator leading to the sanctuary. On the main level a pastor’s study, church office, workrooms and classrooms for Sunday School and preschool were added. Pastor Jaster continued his ministry at Emmanuel until he retired in September, 2017.
Emmanuel did not have a permanent pastor until January 1, 2022. During this 51 month interim, the church council, church secretary, and a group of dedicated volunteers maintained the core functions of the church. Pastor Becki Verbridge was hired as interim pastor and served from 2018 to 2020. Supply pastors served until a new pastor was called.
On Palm Sunday in March 2021, the church resumed in-person worship after offering online worship during the COVID pandemic. The restoration of the church’s stained glass windows concluded in October of that year. In November of 2021, the Call Committee presented Tim Scholl to the church council as its choice to serve as the seventh pastor of Emmanuel Luteran. He was installed in February 2022.