Estonian Lutheran Church in St. Catharines

St. Paul's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Catharines held its annual traditional "Vabaõhu Jumalateenistus" on June 26, 2016 at he country home of our organist Dr. Gerzinus Hoekstra and his wife Jeanetta, who have welcomed the congregation for 12 years.

Even though it was a very hot day, the Pergola where church was held provided shade as well as the many tall trees. A light breeze contributed also to providing a very pleasant atmosphere. Bishop Taul stated in his sermon that our God has provided us with his handiwork, which is more beautiful than any man-made cathedral.

The gathering was also a celebration of Bishop Taul's 20 years of service to us as our spiritual shepherd. In 1966 our congregation consisted of 115 members and Endel Liho was chairman. Now our membership consists of 20. We have to thank Bishop Taul and Mrs Eneri Taul for their willingness to still travel to St, Catharines so we can hear God's word in our Estonian language, which is so precious to us as we grow older.