LATVIAN LINK
The Latvian link between the Yorkshire Baptist Association churches first began through Keith Jones and Tony Peck (both then of YBA) back in 1990. After the fall of communism Latvia regained its independence in 1991. The first visit to Latvia from YBA churches included Rev Joe Wieland (former Pastor of Hunslet) in 1993 and through his suggestion Kuldiga was twinned with Hunslet. This link has continued through various forms and firstly consisted of Hunslet, and other YBA churches sending over humanitarian aid. As Latvia has progressed and became part of EEC the links are now on a more mutual basis. Last year, representatives from Hunslet attended Kuldiga’s 140th Anniversary where representatives of sister churches also from Hamburg, Germany and Sweden were present. Following this visit and hearing of our redevelopment project the Kuldiga congregation offered to help in some way. Their suggestion that members of their choir could fly over to sing prompted the church to consider a celebratory event on the occasion of our own Anniversary. We are privileged and grateful that the Pastor, Gints Pallo and 12 members of the choir travelled, at their own expense, to be with us for this significant event in Hunslet’s history.
Kuldiga Choir and Hunslet Members & Friends
170th Anniversary Celebration
In August 2006
Our Latvian Link Coordinator, her husband and two of their children visited Kuldiga for the church's 140th Anniversary.
Anniversary Service with singers from Latvia, Germany, Sweden and UK
Kuldiga Baptist Church
Pastor Gints Pallo and his wife, Arisa and family
Their hosts!
from left, Vilnis Jurmalis(Chairman), Baiba Jurmale(Choir Conductor),
Liene Jurmale, (Link Coordinator) and Gunars Jurmalis
The bridge over the River Venta in Kuldiga
The waterfall in Kuldiga
The B & B where they stayed !
