The following is an excerpt from the Suttons Bay Sesquicentennial Celebration book, published in 2004, and tells the stories of two churches on Madison Street.
Immanuel Lutheran Church The Immanuel Lutheran Church was organized on June 8, 1890. Rev. Ole Erickson Berseth of the former United Lutheran Church, conducted the first meeting. Lars E. Bahle was chosen presidents and Lars J. Gronseth as elected secretary. Charter members were listed as L.E. Bahle, L. J. Gronseth, F.F. Smiseth, Andrew Olson, Mrs. Olava Hanson, Lars Johnson, Otto Mork, Halvor Nelson, Einer Setterbo, Arnt Holton, Knute Setterbo, Einer Everson, Andrew Halstad, and Johannes Telstad. Later were added J. Geines, J. Hogstad and J. Ask.
W hen the congregation was without a pastor, services were held regularly in the homes of members. The first mention of Immanuel Lutheran Sunday School was in 1889 and the superintendent was L.J. Gronseth. In the spring of 1894, the present church was built. Rev. Stenson laid the cornerstone.
