IMMANUEL HISTORY
Immanuel Presbyterian Church was built in three phases between 1949 and 1956 to serve the social, cultural, and spiritual needs of a community that quickly developed in the post-World War II era of U.S. history. Soldiers formerly stationed in Albuquerque returned after the war to settle down in this Southwestern hub traversed by historic Route 66. Enrollment at University of New Mexico exploded as returning veterans took advantage of the G.l. Bill. Automobile-driven expansion of suburban areas was booming. Albuquerque’s population more than doubled from 1940 to 1950.
Amidst this growth, local Presbyterians bought two lots at Carlisle and Silver in 1943. They began to plan for the establishment of a new church to serve the area. Immanuel Presbyterian’s original two-story structure was completed in 1950, and was designed by John Gaw Meem, a 20th century architect renowned for his secular and religious architecture throughout the Southwest. Meem is credited with developing New Mexico's classic style, known as Territorial Revival, characterized by simple textures, often brick or adobe, and the appearance of Gothic or Greek-style trimmings. The Immanuel building, with its crisp, neoclassical lines composed of tan stucco, white trim and brick coping, stands as a testament to Meem’s legacy.
Built by church member Fred Mossman with many hours of voluntary labor donated to the cause, Immanuel retains to this day much of its original integrity. Very little has changed since Meem's time. The main sanctuary space is distinguished by its spaciousness, grace of design, and light pouring in from several directions - architectural elements characteristic of Meem's work. The cerulean blue ceiling is set with recessed lights and nine star-inspired light fixtures designed by Meem and manufactured in a material chosen to replicate the color and finish of native New Mexico tin work. The chancel area features walnut panels hand-carved by George Weidner, a long-time member of the church. Meem worked on the design of the panels with noted Santa Fe artist Eugenie Shonnard, who had studied with Rodin in Paris and at the New York Art Students League. Meem commissioned Shonnard to complete six plaster sculptures as a guide for Weidner's wood carvings.
Immanuel’s magnificent pipe organ, built by Casavant Freres in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, was purchased in 1965. Located in chambers east and west of the choir loft, it has 30 stops and 41 ranks of pipe, on 3 manuals and pedal. The pipes number over 2,000.