latvianlutheranchurch

Gathering of the Latvian Lutheran congregation, 1951

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  Queensland Latvians started to gather together in 1949 in church services. The first church service for Latvians was held on November 24, 1949 in German language by Minister Ramer. 54 Latvians attended the church service. On January 14, 1950 mixed choir was founded under the leadership of E.Kalums. In 1950 E.Kalums founded Brisbane Latvians’ choir and men double quartet. On January 28 and March 18, 1950 Latvian meetings were organised, where the participants decided to call the Brisbane Latvian Association’s foundation meeting. It took place on April 1, 1950. In the meeting 56 Latvians participated. The foundation meeting took place in the Australian Lutherans’ Bethlehem parish meeting premises Brisbane „Fortitude Valley”. The association established mixed choir „Beverīna”, library, arranged Latvians’ House. In 1950 the BLA theatre group started its work. In 1954 the theatre group was taken over by Daugavas Vanagi (Daugava Hawks). In October of 1951 the BLA founded the folk dance group “Senatne” (Olden Times) with 14 participants. Its leader was Gaida Stendere and pianist Maksimilians Sprīvulis. The number of dancers rapidly grew. “Senatne” participated in many events in Brisbane and whole Australia. With reducing of the number of participants “Senatne” ended its existence in 2000. In 1954 the BLA founded Youth Group. For many years the Youth Group organised readings about Latvian language, history, literature and music. The Youth Group does not exist anymore. Also Literates Group works in the BLA. Under the wing of the association were organised eight Australian Latvians’ Culture Days. Source: www.rlb.lv/latvian-organizations-and-schools-abroad/brisb...