The History of Emmanuel Parish
 At more than a century old, Emmanuel Episcopal Church has been a tradition in Shawnee since the city's beginnings and a place of worship for generations of families. The first Shawnee Episcopal confirmations were in 1896, five years after the city's founding, for five adults.
The Church was named Emmanuel, which means "God With Us."
In December 1897 the Emmanuel Episcopal Church building was established on the southeast comer of Broadway and 10th. It cost $350 and the furnishings included kitchen chairs in the nave, a wood stove and kerosene lamps, a pump organ in the chancel, along with the altar, a prayer desk and homemade lectern.
By 1909 a new church building was completed on the northeast comer of Broadway and Highland where it stands today. The original church was moved and even now makes up a portion of the current parish hall, and a house on the comer was incorporated into the new structure as well. In 1910 the baptismal font was given to Emmanuel, and is still in use today.
The church is built in the Anglican tradition, with the altar in the east and the baptismal font in the west, or at the entrance to the church. The area where the congregation sits is called the nave (from the Latin navis, meaning "ship). The ceiling resembles the hull of a ship because the church is often considered to be a ship moving heavenward, with the congregation pulling together.
The new church then and now evokes reverence and peace. One of the outstanding features of the physical structure is the beautiful nativity stained glass window inspired by a Prockhorst painting. This 12' X 26' window was purchased from Ford Glass Company and installed on the west side of the church for several thousand dollars. The money was raised through the Ladies Guild, an active part of the church since its beginning. The women labored through many teas, quilt fairs, dinners and bazaars to raise the money for this outstanding piece of religious art in glass.
We honor our past.
We are vibrant and vital in the present.
Come join us as we seek and serve! .
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