OUR STORY

Cool Timeline

1880 | Rev. Henry L. Baugher

Rev. Baugher (1880-1881), a professor from Gettysburg Seminary, is called to Emanuel’s.

1873 | Rev. Wyley A. Lipe

During Rev. Lipe’s tenure (1873-1880), the envelope system is introduced.

1871 | Rev. Ira C Billman

Rev. Billman (1871-1873) begins his pastorate at Emanuel’s and is later elected Secretary of the newly formed Nebraska Synod. Billman is a graduate of Wittenberg College and Seminary.

1867 | Church Bell

Purchased by the congregation and still in use today, the bell calls all to worship and once served as Omaha’s fire alarm.

1862 | First Building

After meeting in rented facilities, Emanuel’s dedicates its first building at 1210 Douglas Street on February 16. The building measures 35’ x 50’ and costs $5,000 to construct.

1858 | Emanuel’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

On December 5, Kuhns and fourteen prominent area residents organize Emanuel’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the first Lutheran church in Omaha and Nebraska Territory.

1858 | Rev. Henry W. Kuhns

In response to Kountze’s letter, Rev. Kuhns (1858-1870) arrives in Omaha City on November 19 as a missionary of the Allegheny Synod of Pennsylvania to the Nebraska Territory. Kuhns, a graduate of Gettysburg Seminary, is the first Lutheran Missionary in Nebraska Territory, and receives a salary of $500 per year

1857 | Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff

The Pittsburg Synod sends Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff to Nebraska Territory to purchase church lots.

1856 | Augustus Kountze

Shortly after arriving in Omaha City, Augustus Kountze writes a letter to his former pastor, the Rev. W. P. Ruthrauff of Canton, Ohio, asking him to send a Lutheran minister to Omaha.

1854 | Kansas-Nebraska Act

President Franklin Pierce signs this historic act creating the territories of Nebraska and Kansas. Omaha City is founded that same year.