Mr. Jim Girven, Lutheran Authorized Lay Worship Leader, will be the officiant at the Annual Hymn Sing at Old Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lime Bluff Road, Muncy, on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Girven has chosen “Return to the Lord your God” as the theme for the service. Mr. Girven comes to Old Immanuel from the Messiah-St. James Lutheran Parish of Muncy. Both of these churches are “children” of Old Immanuel, and we are delighted to have Jim return to lead us in another service.

The theme for the day is taken from the Lutheran Book of Worship and is reflective of the faithful returning to churches, which are once again open after the destruction of the Covid Pandemic. It is possible that this service might need to be cancelled should Covid protocols dictate. Current CDC and Synodical guidance will be observed.

Among the hymns to be sung during the service are “Softly and Tenderly,” “The Church in the Wildwood,” “He Leadeth Me,” “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me,” and “Blessed be the tie that binds.” Mrs. Jane Landon will provide music on the church’s antique pump organ.

Old Immanuel is considered to be the mother church of Lutheranism in Lycoming County. Founded in 1791, it lived until its doors shut permanently in 1920. The first structure built on the property was of log; the second of brick. The third and current building was dedicated in 1869, and houses two cornerstones, one in German dated 1832, and one in English dated 1869. At least 10 Revolutionary Soldiers and 5 Civil War Soldiers are buried in the historic cemetery. The church was built on land donated by Henry and Barbara Shoemaker, of “Shoemaker Mills” at the Routes 442/405 intersection.

At one time, there was a school associated with Old Immanuel, and the church contained a gallery, a wine-glass pulpit, and enough straight-backed pews to seat 600 people.

Old Immanuel closed its doors for regular services in 1920, after giving rise to 19 other Lutheran congregations. Some of these have also closed their doors, such as Trinity (Huntersville), St. Paul’s (Millville), Germany Church, Christ Lutheran (Montgomery), Messiah (Alvira), the Stone Church in Elimsport, and Zion’s, also in Elimsport. Some of these churches, such as Moreland Lutheran, Katy’s Church, and St. Mark’s Church of Lairdsville have taken on new identities as they have become home to other congregations.

Churches that have sprung up from Old Immanuel that continue with the Lutheran tradition include Trinity and Mount Zion, Hughesville; St. Andrew’s, Muncy; St. James, Muncy; Messiah, Clarkstown; St. John’s, Gordner’s Grove; St. John’s (Brick), Montgomery; and Bethany, Montoursville.

The public is invited to attend this service as well as to tour the historic church. Light refreshments will be served after the service. For more information, or to follow Old Immanuel more closely, “Like” us on Facebook.