Meet our Pastor
Since early 2007 we have been fortunate to have the leadership and guidance of Rev. Richard A. Waters as our pastor. His background, including both theological education and business experience, enables him to provide spiritual messages both practical and inspirational.
A native of Northfield MN, Rev. Waters first graduated from St. Olaf college, then went on to prepare for the ministry at Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Prior to joining us at Emerson Church, Rev. Waters served congregations in Ohio, Iowa and Minnesota, and more recently, applied his entrepreneurial abilities to a retail business initiative.
With qualities of deep insight, compassion and real-world experience, his messages provide clear examples of ethical principles and spiritual guidance. Many say his messages leave them with a renewed sense of appreciation for God's compassion and the feeling of confidence that comes from having rightful thinking confirmed. Though always focusing on a serious central point, Rev. Waters sometimes will surprise listeners with a humorous aside, making the point all the more memorable.
Throughout the week, an active schedule responds to the special care needs of our membership. Bible study and prayer groups meet regularly, as well as fellowship events. Rev. Waters is known for his caring attentiveness and consoling visits to those who are ill or hospitalized.
Rev. Waters and his wife Jeanne reside in Northfield. When there's a break in the activities with their three children and four grandchildren, Rev. Waters uses such time to enjoy sports and to study history.
If you would like Rev. Waters to visit with you, or if you have a prayer concern, please don't hesitate to contact him by using our email contact form. Or, call him at the church office: 612-869-3221. All communications are handled with complete confidentiality.
Mission Statement of Emerson Congregational United Church of Christ
Acknowledging our dependence upon God's grace, the mission of Emerson Congregational United Church of Christ is to:
- Worship God, as revealed in Holy Scriptures and Jesus Christ
- Celebrate the sacraments
- Provide continuing Christian education for children and adults
- Care for and support one another, with love and forgiveness
- Develop our spiritual life, individually and as a community
- Be a visible witness of Christ, responding to God's call with personal commitment
- Provide faithful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us
- Strive to be a positive influence in our community
Music
Emerson is blessed to have John Wall as organist and choir director. In addition to the choir, he also enables the musically gifted members of our congregation to share their talents through solos and the occasional mini concert after worship.
Our Congregation's History
The roots of Emerson Congregational United Church of Christ reach back to 1857. In that year two groups of people came from Minneapolis seeking to start new churches. The Methodists established the Richfield Methodist Church at their present site on Lyndale Avenue. The Baptists chose a site near Grass Lake, 64th Street near Lyndale Avenue, where they built a typical New England church.
Although begun as a "hard shell Baptist" congregation, over the years the character of the membership changed, becoming a more community-type church. During the 1940's there was a major split in the Baptist denomination between conservatives (Dr Harry Emerson Fosdick coined the term "Fundamentalist") and liberals. It seemed a good time to make a break and become truly a community church. Under the direction of Rev. Royal Bauser, who was called as pastor in 1944, the congregation made overtures to the Congregational Conference.
In 1947 new Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were drawn up, and in October were adopted by a vote of 93-19. A court case was brought with a ruling awarding the church property to the continuing Baptists. After a service on August 5, 1949, all but ten of the congregation followed their pastor, Reverend Bauser, to form a new church.
The new church was called Emerson Avenue Congregational Church after land was given on Emerson Avenue by John Stewart. For two and a half years the church met in Wood Lake School. The first service in the new church building was held on March 23, 1952. The first addition, Sunday School rooms, was begun in 1959, the same year that Rev. Bauser became ill. He died on October 21, 1959.
Emerson's second pastor, the Rev. John Longley, began his pastorate on May 1, 1960 and served until October 1, 1974. The first addition was dedicated to the memory of Rev. Bauser on January 17, 1960. During the Longley years the parking lot was graded and blacktopped, the chancel and sanctuary were redecorated and the church grounds were landscaped. In 1967 a second addition was begin, providing more Sunday School rooms, a Fireside's room and a minister's study.
Emerson Church's third pastor, the Rev. W. Douglas Allen, began his pastorate on June 15, 1975. During Rev. Allen's pastorate the sanctuary was again redecorated, a Rodgers organ was installed and further landscaping undertaken. The church site was at the center of redevelopment plans. After tow plans failed, the Shoppes at Lyndale project was approved in December 1993 the development plans were revealed to property owners. The developers asked what they would have to do to gain title to our land. Rev. Allen said, “Build us a new church at no cost to us." The developed agreed to build us a new building on our present property at 76th St and Girard Avenue.
While we took up temporary residence at Assumption Catholic Church's Activity building, the old church was torn down and the new one built in the summer and fall of 1994. Our first service in the new church was on December 18, 1994.
We are confident that God will guide us into the future and provide us greater opportunities to service one another, our community, nation and the world in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. To God be the Glory!
