The congregation originally known as the Immanuel Reformed Church and later as the Immanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church was founded in 1887. National merger led to its current name. Services were held in both German and English until 1936 when the German services were dropped. The church was governed by the “consistory” or church council, which made decisions regarding daily operations, fiscal policy and membership requirements.
In 1964, membership was opened to all persons who accepted the obligations of membership without restrictions as to race, class or ethnic background. Continuing its liberal tradition, as part of the Committee on Interdenomination Cooperation, the council voted to invite the Methodist congregation to share the New Years Eve service of 1966, and to consider participation of the pastor in Roman Catholic marriage ceremonies. The church continues as an active member of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ.
