Description
In 1901 construction works were started in Mezaparks area in order to convert in into a garden city called Keizarmezs, mainly populated by local Germans. The area needed an electricity network and hence on 10 August 1904 construction of a small power station was launched. Later Mezaparks was connected to the centralised electricity network of Riga and the station became redundant. For a while it was used as a warehouse to store horse gear for a horse-driven tram line providing transportation from Brasa train station to Keizarmezs. During the years of the Soviet occupation the congregation of Mezaparks gradually grew into a significant center of preservation and spreading of Christian faith. In the eyes of Soviet authorities Mezaparks congregation has duly deserved reputation of an anti-Soviet community. Perhaps this is why in 1970 a mysterious fire accident broke out in the church building. Although the fire was promptly quenched and the building was thus saved, practically entire archive of the congregation was destroyed. A new church building was never constructed and Gustav Adolph Church remains the only church building in Mezaparks area of Riga. Although it is the smallest Lutheran church in Riga, it keeps attracting significant momentum. Having only 80 seats, in 1995 it registered 243 parishioners. The church is also used by St. Luke Lutheran Congregation, the only Russian Lutheran congregation in Riga, headed by Rev. Aleksandrs Bite. Despite the size of the building, Mezaparks Congregation is one of the most active Lutheran congregations in Riga. Pastor Rolands Eimanis takes an active part in deacony work and social activities of the congregation. In 1990 the long-serving pastor of the Congregation, Prof. Roberts Feldmanis initiated spiritual counselling mission at one of the biggest hospitals of Latvia, Gailezers Hospital, which is still ongoing. The congregation has also set up a mission at the rest-house for visually impaired individuals. Pastoral visits to those unable to attend the church because of illness are also available.
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