I wrote earlier an article about a demolished Finnish Church in Lead, South Dakota. This congregation, Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church of the city of Lead, ceased operations in 1971. I dug up the copies of church records (minutes) I have a few days ago and compiled some information more. Congregations money transactions were never great. Almost all things were treated with voluntary work. To congregations priest, a layman preaher, was paid 15 dollars a month. So, he must have his full time work somewhere else, in this case in the Homestake Mining Company. Mining company supported each local congregation with a sum of $ 200 in a year. The condition was that the church had hired a pastor. Homestake Mining Company's donations accounted for up to 40 per cent of the annual costs of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in the 1930's, as you see below.
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| Reverend Matt Rivinoja served Apostolic Lutherans in Lead till his death in 1932. Lead Daily Call, June 18, 1932 |
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of
Lead, on January 10, 1932
The annual revenues in 1931 $ 502,59 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 299,80
The annual expenditure in 1931 $ 489,34
account balance $ 78,55
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 31 votes
Isaac Fors 24 votes
Thomas Pelto 21 votes
John Rantanen 19 votes
Jacob Kurtti 15 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Jacob Manninen and Peter Juntti
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Board meeting February 4, 1932
Isaac Fors was chosen for chairman, Eino Matti for secretary and treasurer.
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The annual meeting to select a priest for the congregation was held May 5, 1932:
Rev. Matt Rivinoja was unanimously appointed to continue.
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Reverend Matt Rivinoja died June 15, 1932. he was paid $ 15 a month, altogether $ 75.
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Meeting to select a priest for the congregation after Matt Rivinoja’s death.
Peter Juntti proposed (and was seconded) Charles Aarni’s election for rest of the year.
The annual revenues in 1931 $ 502,59 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 299,80
The annual expenditure in 1931 $ 489,34
account balance $ 78,55
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 31 votes
Isaac Fors 24 votes
Thomas Pelto 21 votes
John Rantanen 19 votes
Jacob Kurtti 15 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Jacob Manninen and Peter Juntti
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Board meeting February 4, 1932
Isaac Fors was chosen for chairman, Eino Matti for secretary and treasurer.
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The annual meeting to select a priest for the congregation was held May 5, 1932:
Rev. Matt Rivinoja was unanimously appointed to continue.
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Reverend Matt Rivinoja died June 15, 1932. he was paid $ 15 a month, altogether $ 75.
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Meeting to select a priest for the congregation after Matt Rivinoja’s death.
Peter Juntti proposed (and was seconded) Charles Aarni’s election for rest of the year.
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| Thomas Pelto was a longtime board member of Apostolic Lutheran church. Deadwood Pioneer Times, June 23, 1935. |
1933
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 8, 1933
The annual revenues in 1932 $ 477,14 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 275,25
The annual expenditure in 1932 $ 479,73
account balance $ 75,96
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Chairman Isaac Fors proposed that those members who have not been able to pay their fees because of existing hard times, would get forgiveness and would be able to vote. His proposal was accepted.
The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 24 votes
Thomas Pelto 22 votes
John Rantanen 16 votes
Jacob Kurtti 22 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Jacob Manninen and Peter Juntti.
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Board meeting February 24, 1933
Isaac Fors was chosen for chairman, Eino Matti for secretary and treasurer.
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Semi-annual meeting July 9, 1933
Chairman Isaac Fors announced to the congregation, that there’s a possibility to get a new pastor. Reverend Matt Aijala from Moose Lake, Minnesota, is willing to come, if the congregation accepts and he will get work in Homestake Mine.
John Henry Frimodig and Charles Aarni seconded Fors’ proposal. Aarni recommended that chairman Fors and secretary Matti would go to discuss with the Homestake Mining Company’s manager Bruce C. Yates. Minutes don’t tell, if they really did so.
Treasurer Eino Matti sent 25 dollars to Matt Aijala on July 20th, he came with family on 29th and the first services were held at the church on 30th July. Matt Aijala began his work in Homestake Mine, August 2, 1933. Matt Aijala was satisfied with his priest’s salary, 15 dollars a month
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Board meeting in October, 1933.
The church was decided to lease to the Methodists, the rent would be $ 15 a month.
1934
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 7, 1934
The annual revenues in 1933 $ 559,53 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 237,20
The annual expenditure in 1933 $ 308,55
account balance $ 326,94
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 22 votes
Thomas Pelto 23 votes
Matt Aijala 17 votes
Jacob Kurtti 22 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti and Mary Waara
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Semi-annual meeting June 17, 1934:
Matt Aijala will continue as congregation’s pastor
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 8, 1933
The annual revenues in 1932 $ 477,14 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 275,25
The annual expenditure in 1932 $ 479,73
account balance $ 75,96
----
Chairman Isaac Fors proposed that those members who have not been able to pay their fees because of existing hard times, would get forgiveness and would be able to vote. His proposal was accepted.
The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 24 votes
Thomas Pelto 22 votes
John Rantanen 16 votes
Jacob Kurtti 22 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Jacob Manninen and Peter Juntti.
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Board meeting February 24, 1933
Isaac Fors was chosen for chairman, Eino Matti for secretary and treasurer.
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Semi-annual meeting July 9, 1933
Chairman Isaac Fors announced to the congregation, that there’s a possibility to get a new pastor. Reverend Matt Aijala from Moose Lake, Minnesota, is willing to come, if the congregation accepts and he will get work in Homestake Mine.
John Henry Frimodig and Charles Aarni seconded Fors’ proposal. Aarni recommended that chairman Fors and secretary Matti would go to discuss with the Homestake Mining Company’s manager Bruce C. Yates. Minutes don’t tell, if they really did so.
Treasurer Eino Matti sent 25 dollars to Matt Aijala on July 20th, he came with family on 29th and the first services were held at the church on 30th July. Matt Aijala began his work in Homestake Mine, August 2, 1933. Matt Aijala was satisfied with his priest’s salary, 15 dollars a month
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Board meeting in October, 1933.
The church was decided to lease to the Methodists, the rent would be $ 15 a month.
1934
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 7, 1934
The annual revenues in 1933 $ 559,53 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 237,20
The annual expenditure in 1933 $ 308,55
account balance $ 326,94
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 22 votes
Thomas Pelto 23 votes
Matt Aijala 17 votes
Jacob Kurtti 22 votes
Auditors:
Benjamin Hastie and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti and Mary Waara
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Semi-annual meeting June 17, 1934:
Matt Aijala will continue as congregation’s pastor
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| John Henry Frimodig was a longtime member of the Apostolic Lutheran church. Deadwood Pioneer Times, March 13, 1940. |
1935
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 6, 1935
The annual revenues in 1934 $ 591, 14 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 255,50
The annual expenditure in 1934 $ 605, 64
account balance $ 312,44
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 27 votes
Thomas Pelto 16 votes
Matt Aijala 32 votes
Jacob Kurtti 24 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Isaac Fors and Mary Waara
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Semi-annual meeting July 21, 1935:
Matt Aijala will continue as congregation’s pastor.
Board member Thomas Pelto had died. Charles Aarni was elected as his successor. There are rumors that congregation’s church building must be moved to another location. Isaac Fors and Eino Matti visited Homestake Mining Company’s office. Mr Kellar told there, that building can stay on its current lot until next spring, then it must be moved.
1936
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 19, 1936
The annual revenues in 1935 $ 550,25 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 240
The annual expenditure in 1935 $ 297, 62
account balance $ 565,09
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 19 votes
Isaac Fors 23 votes
Charles Aarni 20 votes
Matt Aijala 21 votes
Jacob Kurtti 11 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Isaac Fors and Mary Waara.
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
After Jacob Kurtti died, John Harju was elected as his successor on 22nd March, 1936.
Eino Matti and Isaac Fors visited Homestake Mining Company on 16th April 1936. Mr Yates promised that Church building can stand on its lot one year more. Or as long as he will give information about removal, as building is in a quite good condition.
1937
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 17, 1937
The annual revenues in 1936 $ 453,86 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 210
The annual expenditure in 1936 $ 413, 71
account balance $ 605,22
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 16 votes
Isaac Fors 17 votes
Charles Aarni 17 votes
Matt Aijala 17 votes
John Harju 11 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 6, 1935
The annual revenues in 1934 $ 591, 14 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 255,50
The annual expenditure in 1934 $ 605, 64
account balance $ 312,44
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 27 votes
Isaac Fors 27 votes
Thomas Pelto 16 votes
Matt Aijala 32 votes
Jacob Kurtti 24 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Isaac Fors and Mary Waara
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Semi-annual meeting July 21, 1935:
Matt Aijala will continue as congregation’s pastor.
Board member Thomas Pelto had died. Charles Aarni was elected as his successor. There are rumors that congregation’s church building must be moved to another location. Isaac Fors and Eino Matti visited Homestake Mining Company’s office. Mr Kellar told there, that building can stay on its current lot until next spring, then it must be moved.
1936
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 19, 1936
The annual revenues in 1935 $ 550,25 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 240
The annual expenditure in 1935 $ 297, 62
account balance $ 565,09
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 19 votes
Isaac Fors 23 votes
Charles Aarni 20 votes
Matt Aijala 21 votes
Jacob Kurtti 11 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Isaac Fors and Mary Waara.
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
After Jacob Kurtti died, John Harju was elected as his successor on 22nd March, 1936.
Eino Matti and Isaac Fors visited Homestake Mining Company on 16th April 1936. Mr Yates promised that Church building can stand on its lot one year more. Or as long as he will give information about removal, as building is in a quite good condition.
1937
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 17, 1937
The annual revenues in 1936 $ 453,86 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 210
The annual expenditure in 1936 $ 413, 71
account balance $ 605,22
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 16 votes
Isaac Fors 17 votes
Charles Aarni 17 votes
Matt Aijala 17 votes
John Harju 11 votes
Auditors:
John Rantanen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
Peter Juntti, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
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Board meeting on 20th June, 1937.
To Rev. Matt Aijala was given a loan, 73 dollars, for the purchase of a cow.
Board meeting on 20th June, 1937.
To Rev. Matt Aijala was given a loan, 73 dollars, for the purchase of a cow.
1938
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 9, 1938
The annual revenues in 1937 $ 465,50 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 225,50
The annual expenditure in 1937 $ 560, 25
account balance $ 510,47
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 24 votes
Isaac Fors 23 votes
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of Lead, on January 9, 1938
The annual revenues in 1937 $ 465,50 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $
200)
- membership dues $ 225,50
The annual expenditure in 1937 $ 560, 25
account balance $ 510,47
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The Election of members for the Executive Board:
Eino Matti 24 votes
Isaac Fors 23 votes
Charles Aarni 20 votes
Matt Aijala 20 votes
Henry Halonen 15 votes
Auditors:
Henry Halonen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
John Harju, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
Matt Aijala 20 votes
Henry Halonen 15 votes
Auditors:
Henry Halonen and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
John Harju, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
1939
The annual meeting of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in City of
Lead, on January 15, 1939
The annual revenues in 1938 $ 662,85 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $ 200)
- membership dues $ 262,82
The annual expenditure in 1938 $ 300,24
account balance $ 873,08
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The Election of members for the Executive Board (26 voters) :
Eino Matti 20 votes
Isaac Fors 25 votes
Charles Aarni 16 votes
Matt Aijala 20 votes
John Rantanen 15 votes
Auditors:
Henry Johnson and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
John Harju, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
The annual revenues in 1938 $ 662,85 (including Homestake Mining Company donation $ 200)
- membership dues $ 262,82
The annual expenditure in 1938 $ 300,24
account balance $ 873,08
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The Election of members for the Executive Board (26 voters) :
Eino Matti 20 votes
Isaac Fors 25 votes
Charles Aarni 16 votes
Matt Aijala 20 votes
John Rantanen 15 votes
Auditors:
Henry Johnson and Charles Aarni
Heating of congregation's Church:
Eino Matti
The collectors of membership fees:
John Harju, Charles Aarni
Matt Aijala promised to continue as congregation’s pastor.
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