131 West Main Street

Now & Then: 131 West Main Street, Webster, NY

Now

Immanuel Lutheran Church continues to serve the Webster community from its historic location at 131 West Main Street. The congregation remains active in worship, education, and outreach, supporting programs like youth ministries, community service initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. The church has undergone renovations over the years, including accessibility upgrades, sanctuary improvements, and the addition of modern facilities.

Mid-20th Century to Early 2000s

 The parsonage next to the church, once home to longtime pastor Rev. William Arndt, was later repurposed as a “Gathering Place” for meetings and Sunday School. In 1982, the building was razed, along with a second adjacent church-related structure that had stood to the west of the main church.

Church Origins

 The congregation began in 1860, founded by twenty German families as the Evangelical Church. In 1885, the congregation purchased land from Robert Cary at 131 West Main Street, and by 1888, the current Gothic Revival-style church was completed and dedicated. The cornerstone ceremony drew over 1,500 attendees, many arriving by train.

Rev. William Arndt Era

 Installed in 1889, Rev. William G.T. Arndt served as pastor for 50 years, guiding the church through World War I and the Great Depression. Under his leadership, services transitioned from German to English, and the church expanded with a bell tower (1910), a north-end addition (1916), and Sunday School classrooms (1928). Arndt retired in 1939 and passed away in 1941.