|
|
100
years of praise and service!
|
|
Our Response to our community |
Currently our programs include worship services in English and Spanish, a food pantry and several summer outreach programs for youth. We invite you to read on for more information about how we seek to respond to the challenges of our setting. |
1906 - The Founding of Emanuel |
One hundred years ago a small group of Swedish immigrants gathered in the presence of God to mark the beginning of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Today, Emanuel Lutheran is still located in East Dallas, at the corner of Peak and San Jacinto streets just off of Ross Avenue. Emanual has worshipped uninterrupted services since 1906. |
A Pivotal Decision |
In 1956 the congregation made a pivotal decision to remain at the East Dallas location and not relocate in spite of the changing nature of the neighborhood. This decision was not without controversy, and approximately half of the congregation left Emanuel to join other congregations. This commitment to the neighborhood around Peak and San Jacinto has resulted in Emanuel evolving into an inner-city church over the years. The age of the church, as well as its diversity and urban focus, set it apart as unique among ELCA churches in the NTNL synod. |
Our Congregation |
Emanuel offers two services - one in English and one in Spanish, with a combined average attendance of approximately 135 each Sunday. The geographic range of our members attests to the special spirit of Emanuel, especially given Emanuel's relatively small membership. We have members regularly attending the first service not only from the neighborhood but from all over the Dallas area: Rowlett, Irving, the Love Field area, Far North Dallas, Mesquite and Duncanville. The second service draws primarily from families in the neighborhood. |
Our Neighborhood |
Today, we consider our immediate neighborhood to be the two square miles around the church. The area population includes Hispanic and Asian families, some of whom are recent immigrants, as well as Anglo and African American residents. More than 20% of the population in our neighborhood speaks little or no English. Most of the area residents live in rental units. The condition of these apartments is generally poor, as is indicated by the rate of building code violation cases in the area, which is much worse than the city as a whole. Poverty is common, and, as a result, people in the neighborhood are subject to the stresses and conditions associated with life in a poor urban area: drugs, violence, isolation, and poor health. |
. |
. |
Click here for a
brief chronology of Emanuel's history
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||