Our Story

On January 24, 1875, nine people formed what was then known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Congregation of the Watertown Community. Now 150 years later, the people of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church continue to gather for worship, fellowship, and service in Christ’s name. Join us as we celebrate the blessings God has and will continue showering on our faith community… yesterday, today, and forever!

Historical Timeline

  • 1875

    Nine people (eight men and one woman) form the German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Congregation of the Watertown Community on January 24, 1875. For the first year, services are held in a rented Welsh Church.

  • 1876

    Immanuel’s first church building and parsonage 
are dedicated

  • 1881

    Ground for Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery is purchased

  • 1883

    Ladies Aid Organized

  • 1885

    Immanuel’s Christian Day School is built

  • 1892

    Immanuel’s first pipe organ is installed

  • 1905

    A bell tower and steeple are added to Immanuel’s first church building

  • 1915

    First English Language Worship Service conducted

  • 1925

    Congregation celebrates
    its 50th Anniversary

Called Pastors of Our Congregation

  • Rev. Herman Heinrichs

    1874-1875

  • Rev. H. Vogel

    1875

  • Rev. C.H. Mehrtens

    1876-1877

  • Rev. H. Hoerig

    1877-1899

  • Rev. Otto Pett

    1899-1909

  • Rev. Geo Sandrock

    1909-1919

  • Rev. R.H. Bunge

    1919-1920

  • Rev. K.J. Herbener

    1920-1941

  • Rev. Otto H. Wonn

    1941-1956

  • Rev. A.S. Christensen

    1956-1977

  • Rev. H.C. Milius

    1961-1977

  • Rev. Terry A. Cromwell

    1968-1970

  • Rev. Clifford J. Schmidt

    1972-1975

  • Rev. Orlo G. Espeland

    1977-1985

  • Rev. Paul R. Nelson

    1978-1982

  • Rev. Brent D. Christianson

    1979-1984

  • Rev. Gwendolyn B. Sayler

    1982-1991

  • Rev. Thomas A. Kent

    1984-1986

  • Rev. Ronald E. Mach

    1986-1991

  • Rev. Jeffrey S. Forbes

    1986-1989

  • Rev. Richard P. Heins

    1992-1999

  • Rev. Gail Brodersen-Heins

    1992-2001

  • Rev. Matthew M. Dollhausen

    2000-2003

  • Rev. Kathleen G. Kasper

    2002-2006

  • Rev. Terry G. Larson

    2007-2012

  • Rev. Sue Moline-Larson

    2010-2012

  • Rev. Todd J. Iverson

    2012-2020

  • Rev. Carina L. Schiltz

    2022-Present