Manchester in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The German Church
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 3, 2021
1. The German Church Marker
Many of Manchester's early settlers came from Wuerttemberg, Germany. Since there was no Evangelical church in Manchester, the immigrants worshipped at Bethel Church in Freedom Township. In 1862 the Reverend J. G. Hildner established an Evangelical congregation in Manchester. Services were conducted in German and held in houses until the congregation purchased an unused school in the 1870s. The Reverend S. Edelstein became the first resident pastor. In early 1882 the congregation purchased an entire city block and the present Gothic Revival church, designed by Detroit architect Carl Schmid, was built and named the Immanuel United Evangelical Church. In 1936 the congregation joined the Evangelical and Reformed Church and it became part of the United Church of Christ in the early 1960s.
Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission and Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L1404.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 42° 8.894′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Founding Members of Immanuel United Evangelical Church (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saint Mary Church (about 300 feet away); Veteran's Memorial (about 400 feet away); Manchester's Village Green (about 500 feet away); Manchester Township Library / James A. Lynch House (about 500 feet away); Manchester's Old Burying Ground
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 25, 2021
2. The German Church
Also see . . . Emanuel United Church of Christ. Website homepage:
Emanuel United Church timeline "Established in 1862 by German immigrants, it has been a force for good in Manchester for over 150 years." (Submitted on April 1, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 3, 2021
3. The German Church and Marker
This view is looking northwest with marker in front of church.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 3, 2021
4. The German Church
This view shows some of the intricate design work at the entrance to the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on September 30, 2025, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
