Dublin Core
Title
Centennial Monograph: Mission Evangelical Congregational Church
Description
A history of the origins of the Mission Evangelical Congregational Church (originally known as Finnish Congregational Church).
Creator
Barbara Joki
Date
CA1967
Identifier
2019.208
Document Item Type Metadata
Text
The Mission Evangelical Congregational Church had its beginning in I903 with a small group of Finnish-speaking people, who met in Haynes Hall. Their next move was to the Union Congregational Church. With the increased emigration from Finland to the United States and the growing congregation, they decided it be more convenient to have their meetings and social gatherings in their own building.
The first step was taken on Dec. 17, 1912 when the Walnut Street site was purchased. Next, their pastor, Rev. Vaananen, suggested Matti Siitonen from Quincy as architect-builder. On May I8, 1913 the corner stone was laid during an impressive ceremony with many in attendance. By Aug. 13, 1913 the vestry was ready for its first service and the upstairs chapel by Nov. 29, 1913. The dedication took place on Dec. 14, 1913.
Through the years the church has been presented with many gifts. One of the first was a United States flag which was donated by the Isaac Davis Women’s Relief Corps. Later in 1935 the church was presented with a bell from the American Woolen Company due to the efforts of Matti Katvala, who was a church member and mill worker. Recently, a Kawai piano was given in memory of Walfred Riihilouma.
The original name of the church contained the word "Finnish". Since most of its members spoke the English language, the "Finnish" was dropped and the official title became the Mission Evangelical Congregational Church.
Over the years she has had several pastors. They are:
Early 1900 - Rev. Groop, Rev. Hendrickson, Rev. Sundelin
1906-1908 - Rev. Miettinen, Rev. Lillback
1908-1912 - Rev. Wirta
1912-1925 - Rev. Vaananen
1925-1932 - Rev. Kotila
1932-1936 - Rev. Rinta
1936-1946 - Rev. Koponen
1946-1965 - Rev. Hamalainen
1966-???? - Rev. Heikkila
The church belongs to the Maynard-Stow Council of Churches, the Eastern Finnish Evangelical Congregational Mission Conference of America and was a member in the United Church of Christ. Her regular activities include a Sunday worship service, Sunday School classes. a mid-week devotional service, a Martha Society and a Missionary Group.
The church is honored by having a ninty year old member, Mrs. Amanda Bulette.
Prepared by Barbara Joki
Hudson, MA
The first step was taken on Dec. 17, 1912 when the Walnut Street site was purchased. Next, their pastor, Rev. Vaananen, suggested Matti Siitonen from Quincy as architect-builder. On May I8, 1913 the corner stone was laid during an impressive ceremony with many in attendance. By Aug. 13, 1913 the vestry was ready for its first service and the upstairs chapel by Nov. 29, 1913. The dedication took place on Dec. 14, 1913.
Through the years the church has been presented with many gifts. One of the first was a United States flag which was donated by the Isaac Davis Women’s Relief Corps. Later in 1935 the church was presented with a bell from the American Woolen Company due to the efforts of Matti Katvala, who was a church member and mill worker. Recently, a Kawai piano was given in memory of Walfred Riihilouma.
The original name of the church contained the word "Finnish". Since most of its members spoke the English language, the "Finnish" was dropped and the official title became the Mission Evangelical Congregational Church.
Over the years she has had several pastors. They are:
Early 1900 - Rev. Groop, Rev. Hendrickson, Rev. Sundelin
1906-1908 - Rev. Miettinen, Rev. Lillback
1908-1912 - Rev. Wirta
1912-1925 - Rev. Vaananen
1925-1932 - Rev. Kotila
1932-1936 - Rev. Rinta
1936-1946 - Rev. Koponen
1946-1965 - Rev. Hamalainen
1966-???? - Rev. Heikkila
The church belongs to the Maynard-Stow Council of Churches, the Eastern Finnish Evangelical Congregational Mission Conference of America and was a member in the United Church of Christ. Her regular activities include a Sunday worship service, Sunday School classes. a mid-week devotional service, a Martha Society and a Missionary Group.
The church is honored by having a ninty year old member, Mrs. Amanda Bulette.
Prepared by Barbara Joki
Hudson, MA