(Niemi), Hilma Heikkinen (Lahti), L. Helmi and Anna Mäkelä. Even so, it did not become a permanent organization until it was started a third time, in 1909. The following have served as its chairmen: Maria Alexon, Ida Nyrkinen, J. Ahlgren, H. Lento (Merikanto), Tyyne E. Lackrie, Heta Valli, Johanna Siirola, Hanna Mattson, Hanna Niemi, Mathilda Perälä, Katriina Matson, Sanni Laukka, A. Kolehma, Maria Haapaniemi, K. Johnson, Selmi Salmi, Emma Ollila, Laina Wäisä, J. Anderson, V. Koskela and Eeva Junnila.

The Mission Circle got its start in 1933, and although it had but $1.75 in its treasury after the end of the first year it did have more than $50. a couple of decades later. having always worked for modest financial gains but with high ideals.

In January 1938, Mary Matson called together 46 young women of the church to establish a youth group, the Martha and Mary Guild, functioning along the same lines as the older, women's sewing circle but with its meetings held in English. A comparable men's organization, the Brotherhood League, was established two years later; this group has had as chairmen Jack V. Anderson, Arne Williamson, George Hill, Edward Berglund, H. E. Lager, George Koskela, Elmer Hill, Arthur Koski and William Aystä.

Finally, it ought to be stated that athletics have also played a part in the Virginia congregation, quite rare among Finnish churches. In particular, the bowling team has taken part in competition for several seasons, and the boys' basketball team, coached by George Hill and Robert Koski, has competed with success.

Three other church groups have also been active in Virginia: the Apostolic Lutheran, the National Congregation, and the Unitarians. The Virginia Apostolic Lutheran church was established in 1896, with D. Castren being the pastor who served it for the longest period of any. This church was host in 1933 to the 26th general meeting of this church group, a five-day event, and although the strength of the Virginia congregation had begun to lessen by this time, the convention added new strength and enthusiasm to its endeavors.

The National Church body in Virginia was established in 1911, with K. G. Rissanen, V. Niemi, J. Hirvi, D. Ruotsalainen, A. Karen, L. N. Vilenius, E. A. Heino, T. Miettunen, E. Lampela and A. Aho to be mentioned among its pastors. In 1913 this congregation, which possessed no church premises of its own, was nevertheless host to the 15th annual meeting of the National Church. In 1947 the church had but 13 members left in Virginia.

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