During the First World War, 300 members were disfellowshipped from the SDA church in Estonia, which, at that time was about half of the church membership. The reason that they were disfellowshipped was that they did not accept, that their offerings were being sent to Germany to help pay for military installations and the war effort. The members took their concerns to the leadership. But the Adventist leader of Estonia at that time, Br. Sprook answered them, “it is none of your business how the money is used and where it is sent. Your duty is to pay and you have done your duty.”
In 1922, two brothers from Germany came and brought the Reformation message to Estonia. The 300 were immediately accepted into the church and the Reform church was organized. Among the 300 were two young men, Br Korpman, who many of you knew as a member in Canada in his later life, and Br. Hoelmstrom, whose grandchildren are present here today, were soon chosen to be ordained ministers; during that time the church grew to 500 members.
When the Second World War started many members were killed, many escaped to other countries, and some, sadly gave up their faith. Br. Korpman got separated from his friend, Br. Hoelmstrom; he looked for him but could not find hIm. The church looked for him and eventually found him. He had been killed for his faith and buried in a shallow grave, part of his body left uncovered.
Approximately 40 years or so after the war my Uncle Teuvo, who lived in Sweden, met a man who was a minister in the government in Estonia. This man had come to Sweden on holidays and did not speak Swedish. My uncle, who could speak Estonian helped translate for him. This man invited my uncle to visit him whenever he came to Estonia. He gave his business card to my uncle, who later gave it to my aunt, Sis. Leila McTavish.
Shortly after, Br. Henry Dering went to Estonia and my aunt accompanied him. They went to the government ministry offices to meet this same minister. This man was very good to them, he took them to see the different parts of the government. He also took them to see the minister in charge of churches and schools in Estonia; he introduced Br. Dering and Sis. Leila to this man and then he left. They asked if they could officially register the Reform church in Estonia. The minister of churches told them that the law says that no new churches are allowed to be registered in Estonia now, but if you existed before the war, bring us your members to show them to us. They replied, “we will be back tomorrow with the members.”
By that time, there were three members left in Estonia; three old women, one walking with a cane, one who was able to walk on her own, and one that had to be held by Br. Dering and Sis. Leila so that she could stand. They said, “here is the church of Estonia “. The minister of churches looked at those old, crippled women and said, “Your church will be registered.” Praise God!
Later my aunt, Leila went back to Estonia with Br Schmidt and kept meetings there. Six new souls were found.
Afterwards my aunt called Br. Gutknecht the current GC president and told him to purchase land for a headquarters in Estonia, which he did. The headquarters were purchased for a very reasonable price before the Euro came to Estonia when land would have been much more costly. The church is Estonia is now growing and they have a small established church in Tallinn, the capital city. AMEN.