Our Story
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a fellowship of Christians committed to prayer, to the Word of God, and to the work Christ has called us to do.
Our Mission
Our mission is to encourage the worship of God and Christian Service, for the salvation of the lost and the relief of the suffering, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1874
Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church
In Newark, Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church was organized in the year 1874. For many years, the Newark church prospered and grew. In the 1940's however as the city and the neighborhood changed, the church found itself declining in membership and decided to sell the property and start over as a church plant.
1940's
Somerville Prayer Fellowship
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Starner of Somerville had organized a group of Christians committed to prayer and fellowship around the Word of God. The "Somerville Prayer Fellowship" met weekly on Main Street in Somerville. As the year 1942 neared its end, the group leaders realized that the Lord expected more and had further plans for them.
1943
Emmanuel Church
Mr. Charles Furness, a student from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, learned of the plans of the Somerville Prayer Fellowship. He informed them of what was occurring with the church in Newark. Taking the name of Emmanuel Church in 1943, the congregation purchased a home on East Main Street in Somerville in partnership with the original Emmanuel Church.
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1957
Emmanuel Church
In 1957, the present building was dedicated to the Lord’s Service and in 1963, a new Sunday School wing was added to our Somerville church.​ Emmanuel Church continues as committed as we were in the beginning to be a fellowship of Christians committed to prayer, to the Word of God, and to the work Christ has called us to do.
