Immanuel United
Methodist Church
401 West Fond du Lac Street
Ripon, Wisconsin 54971 USA
Telephone (920) 748-6695
Rev. Paul Nulton , Pastor
The 1911 Methodist Church
Our History
The history of the church known today as Immanuel United Methodist began in the Ceresco Settlement in 1844. The first building was constructed in 1856 near the current Ceresco Park. In 1862 that church united with another Methodist group and became FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The church was located at West Jackson Street and is now used as an apartment house. In 1899 a new structure costing $7000 was built at the corner of State and Ransom streets.
In 1890 a GERMAN METHODIST church was begun at the corner of Elm and State Streets. They merged in 1937 with First Methodist and sold their building to the Assembly of God Church.
The IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL CHURCH in Ripon began in 1869 at the corners of Elm and Liberty streets. The first building was constructed in 1870. In 1909 a red brick building was constructed at a cost of $12,960. In 1956 a new church was constructed for $286,000 behind the old church and the old church was demolished. In 1969 a parsonage at 17 Wa Wa Avenue was purchased for $35,000. Nationally, the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodists merged in 1968. In Ripon, it took a bit longer and in 1970 the churches merged and became the Immanuel United Methodist Church.
In 1983 a new pipe organ was purchased for $125,000 and the front of the church was remodeled. In 1997 over 170 windows were replaced with 85 energy efficient ones for a cost of $60,000. In 1998 new carpeting was put into the church sanctuary and foyer. Also, in 1998 a new lighted sign was put in front of the church to catch the attention of people with thoughtful messages.
In 1999 the church lounge was completely remodeled and all light fixtures in the building, excluding the sanctuary, were replaced. In 2001 the sanctuary roof was replaced and insulation was blown into the roof area. In 2002 air conditioning was installed in the sanctuary. In 2003 the sanctuary lighting was updated, with new light fixtures being installed. The tile flooring in the fellowship hall and kitchen was replaced as well. In 2005 new kitchen cupboards were installed. In 2006 new flooring tiles were put in the sanctuary.
In the summer of 2008, the west and south sides of the church were remodeled, as an elevator was installed. The offices were remodeled, the lounge area, some rooms were added in the basement, an additional restroom was installed, and the other one was remodeled. Total cost estimate for this project was $700,000. Because of so many generous gifts, and commitments, two-thirds of the project was financially met before ground was broken in late May. The elevator became usable in November, as scheduled.
Throughout its history, Immanuel has prided itself on its commitment to missions. We believe in reaching out to others. We have Bible study groups, adult Sunday school groups, and support missions both in Ripon and around the world. Our goal is to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
How our church currently looks
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