St. Peter's Lutheran church, among the oldest congregations in Brainerd was formerly known as the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran National Congregation of Brainerd.

As the name of the first church indicates, the congregation was organized by a group of about eight Finnish immigrants on Oct. 30, 1898.

The congregation met together for services in members' homes or a rented hall. Due to the smallness of the group and lack of funds, a church building was not as yet envisioned.

Several years later, however, on May 26, 1901, discussion was started on the possibility of building a church. Authorization was given for a committee to try to purchase a site in "Finn Town," as the southeast part of Brainerd was known.

Two lots were purchased on the corner of 11th and Pine Streets for $100 on Nov. 29, 1901, the site of the present location of St. Peter's church.

A building committee was formed, the services of a Mr. Allen secured as stone mason for the foundation and chimney, and the church proper was later built mainly by members of the congregation.

Originally established as a Lutheran mission to Finnish people, the services were held in the Finnish language until 1965. At present, the oldest living member of the congregation is Jack Sarkiako.

Though the congregation has never had its own resident pastor, it has been served by a number of missionaries and non-resident pastors. The earliest records show Pastor Mursun serving in November of 1898; Pastor Palmruai conducting Christmas Day services in 1898. Others have included Pastors Niemi (for 32 years), Rissanen, Essala, Aho and Erickson.

In 1965, the church adopted the name, St. Peter's Lutheran church, and second and fourth Sunday services were held in English. The first confirmation class was in 1966.

Pastor RaIph Boyer was called as pastor in 1969, assisted for a year by Mr. Tabor, a theological student. Pastor Boyer continues to conduct services twice a month at the church.

Reproduced from the Centennial Edition of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch (1871-1971).