Under Rev. Herbert Randall's leadership, 1951-1965, our constitution was revised. A Christian Education Committee was formed and an adjacent educational building was completed at a cost of $20,000 and paid off within ten years. During the pastorate of Rev. Vernon Link, 1966-1984, a new brick church building was erected facing St. Charles Street in 1971, and the mortgage was retired in 1980. Among the laity of these decades, Mrs. George (Rose) Schaffter established a strong tradition of mission giving, and her influence is still felt today.

Rev. George Rosales served Immanuel Baptist Church from 1985 to 1998. He supported the Sunday School in many practical ways, teaching an adult class and bringing a carload of children every Sunday. His care and compassion for the elderly and shut-ins endeared him to many. We celebrated our Centennial in 1991 with a special dinner, the return of several preachers who had grown up in the church, and the production of a 100th Anniversay booklet. Under Pastor Rosales' leadership, our congregation has become a close knit family.

Our Minister of Music, Gary Hillquist, joined our staff in 1989, and continues to enhance our worship ministry with choral and instrumental music. He also shares his musical talents by visiting our members in the nursing homes and playing their favorite hymns.

Our most recent pastor, Rev. John Stensrud, is an Elgin native whose first career was in the armed services, serving as a soldier and a chaplain. Pastor John helped us think about our church's future by setting goals and developing a church vision. He was instrumental in rallying support for the chair lift that now carries several of our members to the sanctuary each Sunday, and he successfully introduced multimedia support and a "worship leader" format to our worship service.

Dr. Edward L. Thompson (Jack's father) was interim pastor from April 1998 to the end of March 2000, when a debilitating stroke forced his retirement. Dr. Ed was the founder and director of the Judson College Fine Arts Division and the Judson College Choir. He directed and toured with the choir until his retirement from Judson in 1997.

During Dr. Thompson and his wife Alice's time at Immanuel, a monthly newsletter was sent to all members and friends of the church. Also, a children's musical, The Small One, was presented by the children and young people of the church under the direction of Mrs. Thompson. Periodically during this time, the church held a Singspiration to which all the community were invited. Internationally recognized pianist Huntley Brown was featured at one of these standing-room-only Singspirations.

Dr. Thompson had a gift of leading the congregation's minds to the "throne of heaven" in his calls to worship and pastoral prayers. He often told pertinent facts about the hymns and their writers before the congregation sang them.
 

Rev. Jack Thompson, a church member and Worship Leader serving beside Pastor John Stensrud, has taken over interim pastoral duties for Immanuel as of February 2003. Pastor Jack is an experienced, seminary-trained, former full-time pastor who is presently pursuing a secondary career in business. His gifts and passion for ministry continue to energize our congregation duirng this period of change.

Our church is affiliated with the Great Rivers Region of American Baptist Churches, whose many programs and ministries we support through giving and active participation. Our church has been a springboard for many who now worship in other congregations near and far.