Old and new. Past and present.
The oldest Latvian Lutheran church in the United States - celebrating 118 years - still conducts its Sunday service in Latvian, the native language of the first immigrant members from the Baltic state. Like many churches, St. John's must grapple with low attendance and an aging membership, but the connection of Latvian roots and Lutheran religion keeps the congregation strong.
"Even if I know how to speak English, I still enjoy it more if it's in Latvian," said Ilga Veisbergs, a member for 60 years who lives 30 minutes from the church. "I could go in my neighborhood to English church, but somehow it doesn't get to your heart as close as when you hear it in Latvian."
Most of the 166 members are middle-aged or older. Ninety percent can speak Latvian, said member Silvija Mezgailis. She heads the Latvian Saturday school during the academic school year. Held in the parsonage next door, the school teaches 20 youths about culture, language, history, and geography.
Some congregation members drive for up to an hour to attend the church in Delaware County. Veisbergs, 83, came on Sunday with her daughter Linda Palmisano to the English service, held every two months.
Palmisano doesn't speak Latvian, so the English service allows the two to worship in a language both understand. About 30 people attend the Latvian service, 70 on special Sunday events, and 100 during Christmas and Easter holidays.
Founded in 1893, St. John's added English services in 1930. Worship at that time was held in a rowhouse on 47th Street in West Philadelphia, but a steady stream of post-World War II immigrants caused the membership to swell to nearly 800. In 1967, members moved to a larger church down the street, at 47th and Cedar.
