A History of Emmanuel

In 1945, Emmanuel Lutheran Church was organized with 83 charter members. They began holding services in the Odd Fellow's Hall, in North Hollywood at the corner of Magnolia and Cahuenga. Under the leadership of Pastor Norman Hammer, the congregation outgrew this building and in December 1945 moved to the Eagle's Hall, also located in North Hollywood on Cahuenga. Later that year the congregation purchased a plot of land consisting of 7.2 acres of "good for nothing" land at the corner of Oxnard and Radford for $9,000 which became the permanent home of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. In 1946, groundbreaking for a new sanctuary takes place.

In October of 1947 Emanuel started a new school. The name Laurel Hall which had been suggested by a 10-year boy was selected. The monthly newsletter, The Builder is published for the first time and sent out to members. The new sanctuary of the church, known today as the Parish Hall, is dedicated. The first organ is purchased for the sanctuary.

Emmanuel makes the news in 1950 with the first drive-in worship service.

On December 23, 1956 groundbreaking for a new larger sanctuary takes place.
By the end of 1959 the prayer garden is completed using plants from Israel and the Middle-East.

The 99' Bell Tower is completed having been paid for completely by the Sunday School.

By the end of 1962 Emmanuel Lutheran Church becomes the largest Lutheran Church west of Minneapolis, with a total of 3,094 members. Emmanuel's youth launches its annual trip program to teach Vacation Bible School for two weeks at the Rock Point Navajo Indian reservation in Arizona. The combined choirs of Emmanuel hold their first Christmas in Live Stereo concert. The Cathedral Choir makes its first recording.
In 1972 Emmanuel's stained glass windows, including the large window of "Christ the Good Shepherd" are dedicated

In 1994 the church facilities suffered terrible damages as a result of the Northridge earthquake. The sanctuary was closed until extensive repairs were made. The congregation went back to its "roots" when Sunday services were again held in the Parish Hall.

In 1995 Emmanuel celebrates its 50th Anniversary by moving back into the newly repaired sanctuary. Pastor James Schoenrock is installed as the new senior pastor at Emmanuel, the position he continues to serve today.

In 2002, the final installation of the beautiful Schantz pipe organ (rescued from 1st Presbyterian Church which also suffered major damage in the 1994 quake)commences with a magnificent organ, symphonic and choral concert led by Music Director, Christina LaBerge.
In 2005 Emmanuel celebrated its 60th anniversary.

The Pastors of Emmanuel Lutheran Church

1945-Pastor Norman Hammer- Charter Pastor

1953 Erling Wold comes to Emmanuel and begins his 12-year ministry as senior pastor.
1966 Pastor Fred Bernlohr answers a call to Emmanuel and begins his six-year ministry as senior pastor.
1972, Pastor E. Silas Torvend begins his seven-year ministry as senior pastor.
1980 Pastor Andrew Jensen comes to Emmanuel to begin his 11-year ministry.

1982 Pastor Barbara Bornemann begins her service to Emmanuel and is the first woman pastor to serve the congregation.
1992 Richard Torgerson accepts a call as interim pastor as the search for a new senior pastor begins.
1995 Pastor James Schoenrock accepts call for Senior Pastor.
1998 Pastor Sandra Dager begins her 6 year service as Associate Pastor.
2005 Pastor Paul Kloth joins as Visitation Pastor
2007 Pastor Patricia Reimer-Lowe is ordained and installed at Emmanuel as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries.

At the present time Emmanuel Lutheran Church is served by three pastors, Pastor James Schoenrock, Pastor Tricia Lowe, and Pastor Paul Kloth.
Pastor Bangern Jinna serves the Thai mission church.

We invite you to visit us and see what makes Emmanuel special.

Come find the Holy Spirit and God in our midst.

updated 09.01.07