(Gustavus Adolphus College is in Minnesota. EWR)
Inspired to help others by the community and spirit present during her time at Gustavus Adolphus College, her family, and God’s grace, Miriam Lind Lagus ’61 spent more than ten years raising funds to restore St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Martna, Estonia, a parish her father once served. More than $90,000 was raised for repairs to this church half a world away.
Lagus was born in Estonia in 1939 and spent her earliest childhood years in Estonia along with her sister Reet (Lind) Henze ’62 and her brother Mart Lind ’65. Her father, Pastor S. Eduard Lind, graduated from Tartu University in Estonia, which was founded by Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632 and served St. Martin’s Lutheran Church from 1937 to 1944. In 1944, the family fled the country as Estonia fell to the advancing Soviet forces in World War II. Although her parents did not want to leave their home, they had no choice, and departed on the last ship to leave the country.
The church community survived during the 50 years that Estonia remained occupied by the Soviets. The organist kept many of the church records in his home where services continued throughout the years.
In 1996, Lagus and her husband revisited Estonia and the church, and learned that rain water was destroying the 500-year-old building. With the most recent renovation having taken place in 1929, the building was filled with mold and mildew, the steeple had holes in it and the roof was ready to collapse. It was then they decided that something must be done to help restore this special church. “The congregation viewed the church as a symbol of hope for them and the community. It was their connection to the Gospel,” Lagus said.
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