History of The Lutheran Church

The Immanuel Lutheran Church of Cairo, Illinois, was organized October 15, 1866, by Mr. Andrew Lohr, Christian Schultz, Peter Chul, Robert Briback, Henry Harris, Gustava Beland, Henry Miesner, Fredreck and Henry Whitcamp. Under the able lay-leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lohr, who with their infant daughter, had moved to Cairo in 1857, thay labored untiringly among the German population who had come to settle her from the East, to establish a church home. Today Mrs. Hermine Schultz is still with us, the only living member of that first pioneer group.

For the first five years, services were held at the Rough and Ready Fire Station on Seventh street, where the first pastor, the Rev. J. Dunsing, labored until 1869. He confirmed the first confirmation class, composed of Harris Schultz, Julian Serbian and Anna Sticher, on Palm Sunday, April 14, 1869.

Rev. G. P. Heilbig followed in 1870, during which time a frame building on Douglas street was procured. In 1873 the Rev. C. Duerschner became pastor, and under his leadership the building was raised and a brick foundation laid.

Rev. E. Knappe, the next pastor, served from 1879 to November, 1881. He was followed by the Rev. Carl Schuart, who served until his death on August 4, 1885. He was buried at Villa Ridge. A memorial plaque now hangs in the rear of the church, testifying to his service.

In the Fall of 1885 the Rev. W. Englebrecht became pastor and served until November, 1888. The next two pastors, Rev. Otto Graesser (1889-1890) and the Rev. J. F. W. Moenkemueller (1890-1892) were connected with the Missouri Synod, and terminated the last of the German speaking pastors.

A new era was now dawning on the horizon of the church when, in order to keep pace with the other churches of the city, the German language had to give way to English speaking generations that were to follow and constitute the congregation of tomorrow.

Rev. H. C. Grossman, called January 1, 1894, became its first English pastor and labored until Novmeber 15, 1895, during which time the congregation united with the Southern Illinois Synod.

Then came Rev. W. C. Seidel, who served until July 1, 1896. During an eight-months vacancy which followed, the present brick building was constructed, and dedicated to the glory of God on May 9, 1897, by Rev. J. G. M. Hurst, who also became its next pastor. The windows are all memorials and are gems of art, cast in cathedral glass, with Scriptural emblems suggestive of worship.

A handsome ten-foot altar, designed and carved out of solid oak by Mr. Eichoff, with a painting of Christ by Cairo's own artist, Henry Meyer, hangs above the table. Two years later Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lohr presented the congregation with a Primary Room joined to the rear of the church.

In August, 1904, the Rec. C. H. Armstrong became pastor and served until October, 1909, giving way to the longest term pastorate in the history of the church. The Rev. C. Robert Dunlap became pastor in October, 1911, and served until July, 1939, when forced to relinquish his work due to failing health. Pastor for 27 years in Cairo, Dr. Dunlap became established in the hearts of all who knew him, and during those years became a leader in the civic life of the community.

During his pastorate a new parsonage was build at a cost of $4,800.00, a new pipe organ installed, chancel furnishings supplied, a vested choir organized, and the Cairo Trust Property on Washington Avenue purchased. It is one of the finest spots in the city and the center of Lutheran life today, used by all the societies of our church.

Rev. C. A. Jacobi, the present pastor, came to Cairo September 15, 1939, and has labored hard to develop one of the finest congregations in the city. The Brotherhood, the Ladies' Aid and Luther-Anns have all shown a substantial gain, with the birth of two new organizations, the Missionary society and the Luther League. Our Sunday School has grown to a new all-time high of 147 souls. In 1940 the whole interior of the church was renovated at a cost of $4,700.00, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the city. It is decorated in blended shades of Nu-Wood, the floor is inlaid with oak block design, carpeted through the aisle and chancel in rich Dubonne. Chimes were added to the organ, fluorescent and semi-lighting installed, and a pulpit erected. A basement has been placed under the church, fully equipped in the latest pattern of primary education, all this heated by a new air-conditioning plant.

Just recently the property next to the church has been purchased, and plans are in the offing for expansion in the ever growing development of a greater church. Our present membership numbers 397.

Mrs. H. Brinkmeyer, Historian