For many years, the need for Baptist work in South Independence had been recognized in the Blue River Association but
nothing definite was done. In July of 1938, two Sunday School teachers from the Association
attended a program emphasizing the ministry opportunities for Sunday School missions. It was
at that point God's plan for Immanuel Baptist Church began to unfold through the dedication of two women who
pledged to establish at least one mission Sunday School in Missouri.
Later that year the Associational Sunday School was initiated in an area of South Independence that was determined to be the most in need of shepherding. Waldo Avenue Baptist Church agreed to help sponsor the new work and a committee was elected to find a suitable location to hold meetings. Property at 1140 South Main was available and the committee leased the property for $15 a month. The first services were held on June 25, 1939 with 11 present in Sunday School, 14 in Morning Worship, and 9 in Evening Worship. Through God's provision, this mission Sunday School continued to flourish with several additions to the membership.
On January 4, 1940, upon the approval of the sponsoring churches, the Mission was organized as a church with 52 members. The name, Immanuel Baptist Church, was adopted and the call for its first pastor was made.
In 1961, the continually growing congregation felt God's call to establish a mission in the newly developed residential area of Sycamore Hills. Today, Sycamore Hills Baptist Church continues to grow while following God's will in their own ministry projects.
The burden for missions which God had placed in the hearts of Immanuel's members led to the creation of yet another mission church in the residential area of Castlewoods. In 1983, when property became available at the corner of Pink Hill Road and Woods Chapel Road, Castleview Baptist Church was established.
Through the years the church has seen times of great growth and great change to the community it has served.
Immanuel has grown from a small community church on the south edge of the city to a large
metropolitan church in the heart of the city.
For more than half of a century, the Lord has used many of His chosen shepherds to lead this congregation. Our current pastor, Rev. David Barrett, remains true to the spirit upon which our church was founded -- a faithful desire to bring God's message of faith, hope and love to the heart of Independence and beyond.
