Heritage

The Negaunee Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church was incorporated on January 10, 1924. The church was reorganized and became affiliated with the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America Federation on January 31, 1929 and was called the Apostolic Lutheran Church of Negaunee. Prior to relocating to its present site, registration was made with the Corporation Division of the Michigan Department of Treasury, to change the name to the Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church of Negaunee.

From the time of the registration of the church with the State of Michigan until Reverend Reuben W. Kauppila was hired in 1953, the church had no resident or permanent pastor. Visiting ministers were invited and their stay was usually from three days to a week. They were housed at private homes and this method of lodging was practiced until the early 1950's.

The church building that served the congregation from the early 1900's to 1967 was located on Prince Street. It was shared with two other congregations, which at times led to service scheduling difficulties. Early in 1967, the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company donated a plat known as the Rifle Range area, east of Highway U.S. 41, to the City of Negaunee for a possible housing development. A letter to the City, accompanying the deed, requested that the city authorities honor a commitment made by the Company to the Apostolic Lutheran Congregation for a church building site.

With the deed in hand and permission for building granted, the site for the new church was prepared for construction. A building contractor laid the foundation and framed and roofed the structure. The remaining work was done by men of the congregation. It was dedicated on July 28, 1968. An educational wing was completed in 1974 and a barrier free addition in 1994.

Pastor Kauppila served the congregation until 1969.

Four other pastors have served on a permanent basis.

Raymond H. Hilman (1970-1982)

Peter H. Bergstedt (1982-1989)

D. Michael Carriere (1989-2005)

Dale R. Niskanen (2006- present)