The name “Immanuel” is an ancient Hebrew word that means, "God with us." Just as he promised, God himself came to rescue us. As the gospels report, Jesus of Nazareth, God’s own Son, lived among us and carried out God’s plan of rescue for all  As members of Immanuel, we believe that rescue effort is ongoing, as, God in His Word, continues to be with us, forgiving us, equipping us for service, and helping us help others.

On November 2, 1901, Fred Brandenburg, William Falck, John Hallfrisch, Heinrich Renike, and Charles Seefeldt signed the incorporation papers for Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Shirley. The old school and church building were torn down in 1965, and the current building was dedicated on June 12th, 1966, the 65th anniversary of its organization.

From Immanuel’s beginning, the congregation was concerned about the Christian training of their children.  In 1915 a district schoolhouse was bought and moved onto the church property.   For the next 24 years the school continued with pastors and teachers doing the teaching duties.  Immanuel’s school closed in 2012 but our church family’s commitment to Christian training continues with partnerships with Morrison Zion Lutheran School and St. John in Maribel, contributing to each of their Tuition Assistance programs $2000 per Immanuel Shirley student.