still in use following renovations made in 1939. The next to be built was the Apostolic church in Red Eye in 1896. Predating this, Evangelical Lutheran activity had begun in the 1880s when

visiting pastors began to come to the region, although some

church functions, such as baptism rites, remained for laymen to perform. The first confirmation classes were held at Blowers, in November 1893, at the home of Henry Saviniemi: Israel Komppa gave instruction at that time to two boys and one girl. In the years following, classes were held as needed, under various teachers.

The meeting which established the Paddock congregation was held at the home of Perttu Siltala in February 1898, and a slate of officers was elected: John Michelson, chairman; Jacob Kojola, vice-chairman; Peter Raatikka, secretary; Adam Komppa, treasurer; August Aho, Adam and Israel Komppa, and Jacob Aho, deacons. Incorporation followed in July 1899, but in the previous year the decision had already been made to purchase land for a church and cemetery site. The church was built, then, in 1898, and served the parish for half a century. Discussions were begun in 1908 for this independent group to join the National Synod, but no decision was reached, and as late as 1917 a majority still opposed union. In 1919, however, there were 18 votes for affiliation and only 8 opposed, and union was effected, with the congregation falling within the New York Mills regional structure. Among its pastors have been Israel Komppa, Gust Paurus, John Huuskonen, Matti Anttonen, John Haakana, Peter Miettinen and S. A. Krankkala. With a membership of about 100 in 1911, the figure rose to 148 in 1922, and then to 261 in 1935.

In 1918 a sewing circle was established as an auxiliary, and in the fashion of other similar circles, it aided the congregation to a considerable extent. Up to 1938, it had given the church $3,195 from its net profits and had used $1,092 for its own activities. Closely allied, also, have been summer schools and youth activities. A summer school session attracted 56 pupils. Youth work dates back to 1913, with Paddock and Red Eye having a joint organization but a casual program. A more official "Paddock Christian Youth Association" was set up in 1922 at a meeting held at the home of August Aho. In 1928 this association had 43 members. Here, as elsewhere, the youth association was a significant factor in preserving the heritage of Finnish tradition

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