The name Immanuel means "God With Us." The gift and responsibility of making ourselves and our Church the dwelling place for God has been ours for over 120 years. The history of Immanuel United Church of Christ can be traced back to our German ancestors who migrated to Eastern Pennsylvania in search of religious freedom. The two basic German religious communities, Lutheran and German Reformed, joined together out of necessity and religious devotion to form "Union Churches." The present "Reformed" Church in Shillington had its beginning in the old school house located on Lancaster Avenue. In 1874, a constitution was signed by Rev. M.L. Fritch and a new church was built and dedicated in that same year. At the time of the first communion, 19 members were recorded. Two and one-half years later, membership had grown to eighty.

By 1880, the congregation was reorganized. The Lutheran contingent broke away and a new charter was written. The remaining church was served by Rev. Fritch at least until early 1883. History becomes a little sketchy at this point because of a lack of records, however, it seems that a Rev. Mishler served for approximately one year and was followed by the pastorate of Rev. William J. Kershner. During his tenure, the church grew both in membership as well as fiscal strength. A Sunday School was developed which became a source of community activities. It was during this time that the tower bell, which can be seen today in the church courtyard, was purchased. In 1893, a pipe organ was dedicated and used until a new one was purchased in 1914, which also necessitated an addition to the church. Also purchased was land on New Holland Avenue to be used as a cemetery.

In 1923, due to continued growth, it was decided to remodel the church to accommodate the congregation. This was accomplished by 1925. Dedication took place in January 1926. By June of 1926, Rev. Kershner retired.

Coincidentally, at this time, a reorganization of churches was being considered and, as a result, St. John's of Sinking Spring and Immanuel of Shillington were combined. Rev. Thomas W. Rhoads was subsequently called to be the new Pastor and began his ministry on May 1, 1927. The church parsonage was approved in January 1929 and later built on a lot at Chestnut and Broad Streets.

Membership continued to grow and by the fall of 1946, the issue of finding a site for a new church was being discussed. Land was found on the corner of Waverly and Lancaster Avenues and planning began. Political changes prohibited this from going through. Building plans were then on hold; however, by December 1952, the desired land was purchased. By 1953, the consistory petitioned the Reading Synod to divide the charge thereby splitting with St. John's. Rev. Rhoads accepted the call made by Immanuel Church. The official division took place on July 1, 1953.

Building plans continued and by the later part of 1955 architects and committees within the church were formed and ready for business. The expansion of the Governor Mifflin School District; however, forced the sale of the church lot. A new lot was purchased in May 1957. Drawings of the interior and exterior of the new church were approved by the congregation in June of that year. Also in 1957, The Evangelical and Reformed Church were united with The Congregation Christian Church to become the United Church of Christ. Immanuel's charted was changed to bear that name.

Ground breaking began for the new church on December 1, 1957 and the cornerstone was laid on September 14, 1958. The congregation voted to call Rev. Robert I. Rhoads, son of Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Rhoads, as its Associate Pastor and he began serving on November 1, 1960.

During the early 1960's the music ministry at Immanuel flourished and a new pipe organ was installed in 1966. Other building renovations were made to accommodate the growing ministries. Rev. Thomas W. Rhoads retired and was granted the honor of Pastor Emeritus on September 14, 1969. Rev. Robert Rhoads was called by the congregation and began serving as Senior Pastor in 1969.

Throughout the late 1980's and 1990's renovations were made to various parts of the church facilities. Mr. Michael Snyder began serving as Treasurer in 1982. Immanuel Preschool opened its doors in September 1985 and Mrs. Janet Myers began serving as its Director in 1988. In 1986, a second worship service held at 8am was initiated.

In 1990, Rev. Thomas Rhoads died at the age of 91. A memorial fund was established in his honor at Immanuel Church for special lectures. Mrs. Carol Rhoads began serving as Church Administrator in April of 1991. Carol retired from the church in the spring of 2006.

Rev. Dr. Alfred K. Schwerdt was called by the congregation and began serving as Associate Pastor for Parish Life in July of 1993. Rev. Dr. Robert Rhoads retired in December of 1995 and was granted the honor of Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Dr. Alfred K. Schwerdt was called by the congregation and began serving as Senior Pastor in January of 1996. Rev. Megan Huesgen was called as Associate Pastor of Parish Life in October 2005. Currently, the Christian Education and Youth ministry programs are led by members of the congregation.

Rev. Dr. Alfred K. Schwerdt retired and was granted the honor of Pastor Emeritus on February 11, 2007. Summer of 2007, Rev Byron Leasure was called by Consistory and began serving as the Interium Senior Pastor. Byron retired and was replaced by Rev. Carey Miller to server as interium from September through November 2008. Rev Dale Davis was called to be Immanuel's permenant Pastor on 14 Sep 2008, and began on 25 November 2008.

From its earliest beginnings with a membership of 19 recorded in 1874, Immanuel United Church of Christ grew to a membership of over 1,500 members; our current membership is about 1,000. And with Immanuel, "God With Us," may we continue to grow in our faith, in our fellowship and in our service to the world in Christ's name