Our History
Emmanuel ‘God with Us’
Tucked away in the heart of Birkenhead, Wirral, Emmanuel Church stood as a testament to faith and community.
Founded in the late 19th century, it began as a humble chapel amid the rapid industrial growth of the area. The church was built to serve the spiritual needs of the working-class population that flocked to Birkenhead as it grew into a bustling industrial town.
Emmanuel Church has a rich history rooted in prayer, mission, and community outreach. The church was bought by Mr. J. D. Drysdale in 1917, who renamed it Emmanuel and set its course as a missionary-focused church.
This mission-minded ethos led to the establishment of Emmanuel Bible College in 1920, which trained ministers and missionaries for both local and global outreach.
Each year, Emmanuel Bible College in Birkenhead hosted a significant event in its calendar—the Missionary Convention. This gathering was a highlight for the church and its extended network, drawing attendees from all over the UK and beyond.
The convention focused on celebrating and encouraging missionary work, featuring speakers who shared their experiences from the mission field, both locally and internationally. It was a time of spiritual renewal and challenge, inspiring many to engage in or support missions. This annual event was a testament to the church’s deep-rooted commitment to global evangelism and prayer, continuing the legacy of mission work that Emmanuel Church had championed since its early days.
Though the college closed in 1997, its legacy continued through a partnership with the Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, where the "Emmanuel Centre" was created to honour its history. There they host the annual "Drysdale Lecture" on missiology, maintaining its longstanding tradition of sending the Christian message beyond its walls
Emmanuel Church’s beach missions were deeply rooted in its mission work in Wales, particularly at the Emmanuel Christian Centre in Haverfordwest. During the summer months, these missions attracted families and holidaymakers to the Welsh coast, where volunteers hosted children’s clubs, games, and open-air services to share the Christian message in an inviting atmosphere.
These missions exemplified the church’s commitment to outreach and evangelism, serving as a vital component of its summer mission strategy. Over the years, volunteers built meaningful relationships with local communities and visitors, effectively spreading the Christian message. While the structure and frequency of the missions have evolved, their legacy endures, and the Emmanuel Christian Centre in Saundersfoot continues this mission-focused outreach and ministry today
The ministry at Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in Birkenhead is currently overseen by Rev’d Derek Green and today, Emmanuel Christian Fellowship remains committed to serving the Birkenhead community and fulfilling its missionary calling. The church provides a wide range of services and outreach programs, including support for the underprivileged and those in need, reflecting its deep commitment to bringing faith into action. This focus on community engagement has helped the church remain a vital presence in Birkenhead for well over a century.
We would love to welcome you to Emmanuel.
You'll be greeted by a warm and friendly community.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
