The historic Emmanuel Church traces its history back to 1841, more than half a century before the actual structure was first completed. The Emmanuel Free Church congregation was first using private homes before having a worship place that they could call their own. The construction of the building was through the efforts of some members who tried to address the issue that some folks can?t afford to rent or own a pew.

The Emmanuel Church?s Tudor Gothic Revival building was completed with the help of John Nicholas Brown Sr.?s widow. She had the structure built in 1900 in honor of her late husband.

The Emmanuel Church was open for everyone, especially to those who can?t pay for their own pews. This is why it got its reputation of being the ?Church of the people?.