February 28, 1902

Like a wildfire, word spread among our citizens, that the devil himself had now arrived in our peaceful town. Especially the women were terribly affected by the news. Some fell ill, some lost their appetite and sleep. One woman became so absent minded, that when she was supposed to pour coffee into a cup she instead poured water. One man, who suffered from a bad toothache, took such a fright that the ache disappeared. “There he is now, the famous man and denier of God”, thought the citizens, when they got to see Mr. Kurikka eye to eye and talk with him. But as they talked, the antipathy born out of ignorance towards Mr Kurikka and his newspaper slowly faded. Mr. Kurikka announced he would like to speak about the Kalevan Kansa [people of Kaleva, KK], about the workers’ movement and about religion, that was, if we wanted. This was answered in the affirmative by many. After this, we started looking for a place to organize the event and this was granted from the R.S. Conciliator house, but on condition that religion must not be discussed. Mr. Kurikka could not consent to this kind of censorship in a free country like America. The superior of the society as well as several members would have been willing to provide the place without any terms, but there were also members, who strictly prohibited Kurikka from appearing at the house. The fiercest opponent was a man from the Orient to whom even the spelling book is likely unknown, although he is very wise and humble in other matters. His excuse was that a denier of God like Kurikka, was not to pollute the walls of the house by appearing there. That is the age we are still living in here. Due to this, Mr. Kurikka was about to continue his tour, but after we pleaded with him, he agreed to us renting a big hall from the town. That is what we did, and the hurdles had been overcome.

We spread the word that on Thursday evening, whoever wanted, would have the chance to come and listen to Mr. Kurikka speak. And people did come, as much as the hall would fit in. First Mr. Taiminen briefly explained the meaning of the evening and after him Mr. Kurikka took the stage to explain the workers’ movement. He spoke very clearly, like an experienced speaker. The audience listened to him in dead silence. When this speech was done, it was time for a break, during which Matti was criticized from every angle. There were whispers saying that this was indeed a wise and educated man, and how good of me to have come to listen to him. But then there were also some, who seemed to be sweating with agony.

After the break the more important speech begun, namely the one about religion. Even some, who hardly ever step out of their house, had come to listen to it. This was, after all, the speech of

a man, who was supposedly wiping religion off the face of the earth. You were obliged to come and here this and oppose it, even if you hadn’t had a pair of legs. This is what was thought. But what happened? “But he isn’t denying God!”, it was whispered, “instead he is explaining the Bible so clearly that anyone can understand it, even though he doesn’t accept the priests that preach to get their gold coins and have the attitude that it’s no use telling the people the truth, because they wouldn’t understand it anyway”. Mr. Kurikka doesn’t think this way. He speaks out the truth without fear, even urging everyone to examine things by themselves, if they are not willing to trust his words. He certainly doesn’t lack experience and enthusiasm. That is the impression that a listener was bound to get. After finishing his speech based on the Bible, he explained in detail the cause of the KK. His way of speaking was very much appreciated by the audience. With a round of applause the audience rewarded the speaker.

I cannot say, how much this speaker that the KK sent, will further their cause in this town, but he did win over many people here. Many a hater of Kurikka and the Aika-newspaper got assurance, that the paper is neither denying God nor religion, but instead wants to tear the shackles that are stopping human beings from reaching the truth.

Finally a big thank you to Mr. Kurikka, that he came to greet us wretched sinners here in Worcester. Good luck to your cause and for the rest of the journey, from your congenial spirits.

Charley Oaks