The History of Our Congregation

1950 – 

  • In September 1950, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Extension began Sunday school and Worship services in the Coffey School in Detroit, with Rev. Henry Aukee as interim pastor. 

1951 – 

  • In the fall of 1951 Pastor Melvin Hagelberg began work as Mission Developer.
  • Services moved to Emerson School in Detroit and a parsonage was purchased.
  • The Northwest Mission was organized. 

1953 – 

  • Dec.13,  Northwest Emmanuel  Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized with a charter membership of 295 adults.
  • Dec. 13, Pastor Melvin Hagelberg called as Emmanuel’s first pastor.

1956 – 

  • July 10, ground-breaking for a new church building in Southfield.

1957 - 

  • June 16, first worship service in new church building.
  • October 17, a dedication service was held.


1958 – 

  • June, hosted National Suomi Synod Convention

1962 – 

  • Emmanuel joined the LCA and dropped “Northwest” from its name.

1965 – 

  • February 7, Rev. Donald Muehlnickel called to be Emmanuel’s second pastor.
  • The parsonage in Detroit  was sold and a new parsonage was built on Plum Hollow Street.
  • A pipe organ, audio system and new room dividers for the fellowship hall were purchased and installed. 
  • The chancel was renovated and the parking lot was paved. 

1967 – 

  • May 21, new parsonage dedicated

1968 – 

  • Pastor William Graf served as Vicar at Emmanuel; Under his leadership a strong youth program was developed. 

1971 – 

  • February 14, new Wick pipe organ dedicated

1973 – 

  • Major remodeling and renovation program completed

1976 – 

  • October 10, Rev. L. Alden Erlandson called to be Emmanuel’s third pastor

1978 – 

  • Silver Anniversary Celebration 

1986 – 

  • Emmanuel began using a computer for church membership and financial records. 

1988 –

1991 – 

  • July 14, Rev. Roland Troike, Jr. called to be Emmanuel’s fourth pastor

1995 – 

  • Emmanuel entered the Stephen Ministry program. 

1996 – 

  • Elevator dedicated

2000 –

  •  Summer – Pastor Troike’s sabbatical; accessible bathroom constructed. 

2002 – 

  • Peace Garden dedicated

2003 - 

  • June 8 – Dedication of new Hand bells
  • 50th Anniversary Celebration.
  • July –  Rev. John Freed began to serve as supply pastor until the end of the year. 

2004 – 

  • Rev. Michael Rothgery, interim pastor from January 2004 – June 2005.

2005 – 

  • Pastor David Maddox II called as our 5th pastor, June 27, 2005 and was installed on July 17,     2005. 

2006 –

  •  Nursery/Multi-purpose room constructed by John and Craig Moilanen families and crew.

2007 – 

  • October, new Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnals began to be used

2008 – 

  • The Community  Garden was established in cooperation with the Southfield Garden Club.

2010 – 

  • April 18 - Pastor David Maddox II left Emmanuel for a new call; Emmanuel began the process of searching for a new pastor.
  • June -- Pastor Dellis W. Hudson began as Interim Pastor
  • December -- The Kitchen floor was retiled for the first time since the building was built.

2011 – 

  • May -- Pastor Dellis W. Hudson left.
  • December 2011 – Christmas Caroling for the homebound resumed after many years. 

2012 – 

  • March -- Pastor Stanley Eckermann began as Interim Pastor
  • August -- Pastor Stanley Eckermann left; 
  • Vicar Jackie Rau started as as Emmanuel's full time Pastor
  • September 23, 2012 Rev. Jackie Rau Ordained at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Livonia.

2013 – 

  • November 24 --  Celebrated 60 years serving the Southfield area by hosting an evening meal   and concert with the folk group "At Average".

2014 – 

  • Monthly Lunch and Learn programs started.
  • A land survey was ordered to prepare for the possible sale of the parsonage property.

2015 – 

  • Parsonage property offered for sale.

2016 – 

  • Parsonage property sold.

2017 – 

  • Resurfaced parking lot

2018 – 

  • April Pastor Jackie Rau left
  • July – Pastor Jill Heather called by the Southeast Michigan Synod to serve as transitional pastor

2019 –  

  • September – Hosted Finn Fest USA and celebrated with a full church our Finnish beginnings

2020 – 

  • March Emmanuel closed the church to in person worship and other activities as recommended by the State of Michigan because of Covid-19 virus. Virtual worship services began using computer technology.

2021 – 

  • July – Emmanuel resumes in-person worship services after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted

2022- 

  • Feb -  Emmanuel calls Karole Langset to serve as Pastor. Feb 26, she is ordained at her home-congregation of Shepherd of the Lakes, Walled Lake.  

2023 -

  • Sep -  Emmanuel Celebrates 70th anniversary.