Trinity Lutheran celebrates 100th

Photo:

Bob Houtari reads greetings from Finnish Church.

PARIS — One hundred years ago a group of immigrants from the Kuhmo area of Finland began a church on King Hill. the first meeting was held in the home Abel Houtari in 1905. They prayed and planned until they were able to begin a Lutherin congregation in 1912.

Trinity Lutheran Church was moved to 34 Buckfield Road in 1950. The congregation is celebrating its 100th year with special programs and a dinner. Word of the anniversary reached the church in Finland and the pastor sent a letter of congratulation of Trinity. Bob Houtari, grandson of one of the founders read the letter to the congregation at a special service.

Part of the letter reads: "It was a great desire of our pastor Carl Pfaler in those days that immigrants from Finland to Little Paris, Maine would get a spiritual Lutheran home in the area. We are very pleased to read that the church life there has continued with a long and very blessed history."