Historical Synopsis
Our building, designed by the famous Chicago architectural firm of Burnham and Root, was erected in 1891. Built of reddish-brown sandstone in English-Parish style, a modified Gothic, it has low massive walls, a high steep roof, with a tower to the side, and amber windows. The only major architectural changes over the years have been the elimination of skylights extending the length of the sanctuary roof and the removal of the steep tower roof. The church organ is a historic instrument built in 1892 by Frank Roosevelt. Today, it is one of only a few in more or less original condition. The others were either dismantled or revoiced. A pulpit used by Abraham Lincoln during a visit to Evanston is still in use today as is a 19th Century silver communion service. In March 1958 our church was selected by Methodism’s “Together” magazine as one of eight churches in the United States with outstanding architecture and was subsequently highlighted by the Evanston Review and the Chicago Tribune.
The Emmanuel congregation had its beginnings in the 1870’s in Scandinavian Districts of the Central Illinois Conference. The current church building was occupied in 1913 and adopted the Emmanuel name shortly thereafter. In the 1960’s an aging Scandinavian congregation began to give way to a variety of ethnic groups seeking opportunity in the Evanston community. In 1962, a Cuban family was sponsored and by 1970 other West Indians had joined the congregation. The Asian ministry began in 1977 when John Rathod visited Emmanuel seeking funds for his home church in India. Gujarati language services were started in 1978 under his leadership. He was joined by the Hindi language fellowship under the direction of Rev. Isaac Cornelious. Our present congregation represents a multicultural body with members from Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad, India, Pakistan, and Puerto Rico, as well as the United States. With the strength of our past history and tradition we approach the future embracing a vision of unity and growth.
Mission Statement
We, members and friends of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, recognize our individual cultures, see ourselves as a connectional ministry to the whole world. We are reaching out to our neighbors in Evanston and the greater Chicago metropolitan area. We, a body divided by our cultures, unite to bring the gospel to all who will hear it, through our personal commitment, corporate and radio ministry proclaiming the life of Jesus Christ. We are committed to encourage each other in the life of sharing and caring with our time, our money, and our love.
Worship
Worship is central to our Christian community. Together we praise Good through words, testimonials, sacraments, prayers, and music. A joyous event is our regular combined services involving all ethnic fellowships, where readings, music and messages are presented in different languages. All major Christian holidays are observed. Weddings, memorials, funerals, and baptisms further foster and extend our religious celebration and ministry.
“Make a joyous noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2