Emmaus Lutheran Church ELCA

Emmaus Lutheran Church began as a small mission congregation in 1979. On February 26, 1979 Emmaus met as a congregation for the first time. A planning committee was formed and preparations began for the congregation's first worship services. The first worship services were held in the DeBary Community Center in the "Four Townes" area of Central Florida. One-hundred and seventy people gathered for services. A Charter Roll was opened in September 1979 and eighty-two adults signed it. Three months later Emmaus was formally organized by Dr. Yount, president of the Florida Synod. Response from early members was that of a "Great Spiritual Success" and they voted unanimously to call Rev. Robert E. Kromer as the first pastor of Emmaus Church. From there Emmaus strived to be self-supporting and raise funds in order to expand and grow. Early in 1982 a building committee was organized and by October of `83 new church facilities (three buildings set around a courtyard) were dedicated to the glory of God. With continued growth and interest Emmaus became a member congregation of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).