In 1907, when the church was built, Immanuel was the largest Norwegian Lutheran congregation on the West Coast. Designed by Seattle-based architect Watson William Vernon in the Germanic and Scandinavian Protestant architectural tradition, the church stands out visually for its white shingle facade, prominent rose window, and dominant rectangular tower with a tapered spire. The church has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1982 and designated as a Seattle Landmark since 1980.

In the 1970s, Immanuel hosted many community-focused ministries that would eventually become Immanuel Community Services (ICS). ICS serves people facing homelessness or close to the federal poverty line. It offers a Recovery Shelter for men overcoming addiction, a Day Center for people to wash up and enjoy a hot meal, a Food Bank that serves over 400 households per month, and a monthly community meal program.

A National Fund grant of $500,000 matched with $500,000 raised by the congregation will support exterior repairs to Immanuel Lutheran Church to ensure the building is watertight.

Photo by Mark Ackerman