In May 1918, the Mission Board of the Texas District was asked by a group of Houston-area Lutherans to consider the establishment of a new congregation in Houston Heights. The board responded by issuing a divine call to Reverend William F. Dietze to serve the area as a missionary pastor.
Rev. Dietze came to Houston Heights in August 1918. On September 25, 1918, the first church service of what would become Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was held in the auditorium of Heights High School, then located at 12th and Yale. The following Sunday, the congregation’s Sunday School began to meet with 32 adults and children enrolled on the first day.
On June 12, 1919, Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized as a congregation. By August 4, 1919, Immanuel—with 49 communicant members—officially affiliated with what is now known as the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Church services and Sunday School continued in the Heights High School auditorium until the fall of 1920, when the congregation purchased its first church building: the former parsonage of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church located at 1408 Allston Street. This building was dedicated as sanctuary and Sunday School space on October 17, 1920. Pastor Dietze continued his ministry in Houston Heights until 1922.
In March 1923, Reverend O. P. Hinge was installed as pastor. During his time, the congregation became self-supporting and purchased property on East 15th Street between Cortlandt and Arlington. Due to health concerns, Pr. Hinge retired in September 1925 and fell asleep in the Lord soon thereafter.
In November 1925, Reverend A. J. Meyer was called to serve. The church building at East 15th and Cortlandt was built in two phases: the basement was completed in 1926 and used for worship and Sunday School until 1932, when the red brick sanctuary was completed. In April 1939, Immanuel hosted the Texas District Convention. Pr. Meyer concluded his service in 1941.
In 1942, Reverend Elmo E. Miertschin was called as pastor. Under his pastoral care, the gymnasium, classrooms below the gymnasium, the new sanctuary, and the parish hall with adjoining classrooms were built. Immanuel also planted mission congregations: Our Savior Lutheran Church (1944) and Gethsemane Lutheran Church (1953). Pastor Miertschin served Immanuel until his retirement in 1974.