July 2026
Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Aurora, Illinois recently celebrated their 125th anniversary with a joyous service of thanksgiving held on June 7, 2026.
The church was originally founded on June 5, 1901 by members of Saint Paul Lutheran Church (now Iglesia San Pablo). In those many years since 1901, the congregation has seen many changes in membership, worked through numerous trials, and lived through great joys. Just think how much the world as a whole has changed in the past 125 years—Emmanuel and her members have experienced each of those shifts as the years have passed.
Reverend Jacob Stoltzman has served as sole pastor of Emmanuel since August 2021. He is the 13th pastor in
the line of men who have faithfully served the congregation, her people, and the surrounding community. Pastor Stoltzman was able to share a bit more about the celebration service, the congregation’s history, and what the future looks like for Emmanuel.
The theme verse for the service was Psalm 84:1 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!.” Pastor Stoltzman and a son of the congregation, Reverend Ron Brauer, led worship, and The Rev. Dr. Allan Buss based a sermon primarily based on Hebrews 12:1-3. Pastor Stoltzman shared, “While we included a little extra ‘pomp’ for the occasion, as well as a time to give thanks to God for the special services of several living and departed pastors and school staff, we wanted the service to be as ‘normal’ as possible. We felt it was important to remember that the power of Word and Sacrament in the church’s liturgy has been the foundational source of comfort and resolve for God’s people throughout the ages, and it is so for us today as well.”
Pastor Stoltzman was asked about memorable moments and stories about the day. Understandably, he said much of it was a blur. However, he commented that a common refrain throughout the day was: “This church taught me to love Jesus.” He added, “It was expressed in many and various ways, with different pastors, teachers, and others being the instruments of God’s grace, but all were united in acknowledging the formative role that Emmanuel played in their growth in Christ. I don’t think I could imagine a better accolade than that.”
When asked about the current make up congregation and its participation in the local community, Pastor Stoltzman shared that Emmanuel’s membership currently is around 90 members, and although generally made up of older members, there is a representation of nearly every demographic. They strive to serve in a “support” role in and amongst the community and along with the rest of the circuit churches. Emmanuel property has been used for several years to host their ward’s National Night Out each summer. They host games for the younger children, hand out Bibles, Catechisms, and other materials, and offer tours of the church with an explanation of Lutheran beliefs and practices.
Emmanuel also holds several drives and servant events for evangelism and mercy work throughout the year. They have been blessed to support Redeeming Life Maternity Home in East Dundee by providing diapers, clothing, and other miscellaneous infant and maternity needs. Each year they choose a new mission to support, alternating between local and more distant endeavors. This year, they are specifically supporting Lutheran Church Charities.
This anniversary milestone of the Lord’s care to the people of Emmanuel and Emmanuel’s service to the community continues to be celebrated. They have already held two special organ recitals/hymns sings (one during Epiphany and the other during Easter), and they plan to be joined by the Concordia Theological Seminary Ft. Wayne Kantorei Choir in October 2026. “Emmanuel has long been a musical congregation, and we wanted to use the moment as an occasion to share our newly renovated pipe organ with the community.”
Pastor Stoltzman was asked to comment on what the future of Emmanuel looks like. His honest response was, “I couldn’t begin to tell you. I’m as mortal as any man… There are challenges, absolutely. There are things we can improve, work to be done, souls to win, and all that. But in my five years with them, Emmanuel’s people have surprised and delighted me with their zeal to reach the lost and share the love of Christ with those around them, putting in great personal sacrifice to keep the work of ministry ongoing even when many others would have cut-and-run. I don’t know what our future looks like, but I’m bold enough to say that for as many years as the Lord wants us here, Emmanuel will keep on doing what she’s always done: Proclaim her Lord.”
We celebrate with Emmanuel on their anniversary. We thank the Lord for His ongoing love and provision to the congregation, her people, and the surrounding community. We pray for continued blessings on this ministry!
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