Emmanuel Lutheran Church Breaks Ground For Addition-This Day in Norwood History-May 12, 1955

ARCHITECT’S SKETCH by the office of Harry J. Korslund, Norwood, shows present main church and spire of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church (right) and the new addition (left) for which ground was broken on Sunday.

Last Sunday morning marked an important milestone for the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Norwood, as the congregation gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a significant new addition to their growing parish facilities. Under bright skies and with a strong turnout, the event blended reverence, community pride, and a sense of forward momentum for one of Norwood’s most active congregations.

Participating in the ceremony were Pastor, the Reverend Raymond Kask; Harry Korslund, architect for the project; Charles W. Jones, Chairman of the Building Committee; and the contractor responsible for the construction. In a touching moment that underscored the church’s emphasis on youth and education, scores of children from the Church School joined in the actual groundbreaking, each taking part in the symbolic turning of the soil.

The congregation, having just processed from the sanctuary to the construction site, formed a large circle around the participants, witnessing the first steps toward a long‑planned expansion that will reshape the church’s physical footprint and enhance its mission.

Preparing the Site: Moving the Parsonage

Before construction can begin in earnest, a major logistical task must be completed: the relocation of the church parsonage. The building, currently situated on Berwick Road, will be moved to a new location on Gardner Road. Only after the parsonage has been successfully relocated will full construction on the addition commence.

This relocation underscores the scale of the project and the church’s commitment to maximizing its available land for the benefit of its congregation.

A Two‑Story Addition Designed for Growth

The new structure will extend from the existing tower and will be a two‑story addition designed to meet the expanding needs of the church community.

First Floor – Dedicated to Education

The entire first floor will be devoted to educational facilities, reflecting the church’s strong emphasis on youth programming, Sunday School, and religious instruction.

Second Floor – A Hub for Church Life

The second floor will house:

• Offices
• A church activities room
• An auditorium
• A kitchen

Altogether, the addition will provide approximately 8,600 square feet of new space—an impressive expansion that will allow the church to broaden its ministries, host larger events, and better serve its members.

A Colonial‑Style Exterior to Match the Existing Church

Architect Harry Korslund designed the addition to harmonize with the existing structure. The exterior will be constructed of brick, following the Colonial style that defines the current church building. This ensures that the new wing will blend seamlessly with the original architecture, preserving the church’s traditional appearance while expanding its capabilities.

A Milestone Moment for Emmanuel Lutheran

Sunday’s groundbreaking was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a moment of unity and anticipation for a congregation looking toward the future. With children taking part in the first shovelfuls of earth and parish leaders guiding the project forward, the event symbolized both continuity and renewal.

As the parsonage is relocated and construction begins, the Emmanuel Lutheran Church stands on the threshold of a new chapter—one built on faith, community, and the shared effort of its members.

Facing Berwick Place, the church, with the new addition will form an open V-shaped court, and extending to the rear of the will be a wing containing the auditorium, kítchen, Sunday School classrooms, and a large men’s social room.

The Building Committee of the Church is comprised of Dr. Charles W. Jones, Chairman, Dr. Harold Knudson, Secretary, and Messrs. Fred A. Carlson, Verdi A. Dodds, William V. Mattson.

At the congregational meeting on April 25, the Congregation approved unanimously the plans and proposals of the Building Committee and awarded the general contract to John E. Bamber Co., of Norwood.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)