In 1853, a group of German settlers established the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church. The first church building was erected on what is now the front lawn of the present-day church and school at 21 Mile and Romeo Plank Road. In 2003, the ever-growing congregation celebrated its 150^th anniversary. Today, the church boasts about 4,300 members. Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church have traveled as far as Kazakhstan, South Africa, India and Alaska to minister their faith, and at-home fellowship opportunities include athletic team membership, senior trips, Ladies Aid and Men's Club. In September 2001, construction of the lower level of Immanuel's Worship Center was completed and now contains six classrooms to support growth of the school. Immanuel Lutheran School was established in 1866 and from a two-room schoolhouse has grown to 19 classrooms, a Learning Center, Media Center and art room. Offering preschool through eighth grade, more than 500 students attend the school. While two-thirds of the student body are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the school is open to all denominations. Curriculum includes religion, language, math, social studies, science, technology, health and physical education as well as specialty courses such as band, choir and art. In 2010, the school began offering a full-time kindergarten program.