Immanuel Presbyterian Church had its beginnings in the winter of 1980 when a small group of people sensed God's leading to establish a church in the Norfolk area. From a core of 13 people, who had studied the Word of God and prayed together for several months, a "mission church" was formed under the auspices of the Mid-Atlantic Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America.
William Harrell was called to be their organizing pastor in June of 1981.
Desiring a simplified form of worship and adhering to the great biblical doctrines of the reformed tradition, the church had from its beginnings committed itself to worship of God through expository preaching and teaching, corporate prayer, and community outreach that results from God's leading.
The church's first worship service was held on June 28, 1981, in rented space at the Norfolk YMCA. In less than 2.5 years, Immanuel grew large enough to be self-sufficient, and was reorganized into a church on October 16, 1983.
For four years, the members of Immanuel used the YMCA facilities as a place to worship. In that time, the Lord added to their number and by early 1985, by His gracious provision, the church purchased its current facilities at 4700 Colley Avenue. Members of the church were able to complete enough renovation to hold the first worship service in December of that year, and more work has been completed since, to further the ministries and work of the church.
