Journal of European Baptist Studies, 2007

a result of a disagreement. The disagreement emerged around a long-term dream of Bertelson to establish a Christian orphanage in St Petersburg. The need for this institution was obvious. People were starving; there were many orphans and homeless people in the city. It is possible that Bertelson was aware of some of the history of the social work of Evangelicals in this city. In the nineteenth century the Pashkovites in St Petersburg, inspired by examples found in the wider European scene, had been involved in many social work projects. Now the situation was different. Bertelson soon had to admit that realising her dream seemed impossible to fulfil. Even if permission could be obtained, the costs were much higher than the Swedish Baptist Union was able to secure. The government demanded that ‘religious propaganda’ should not be practised in orphanages. But how could a Christian orphanage operate without any possibility of talking to the children about God? The Swedish Red Cross was ready to help with the costs but they wanted to add their own staff. For some reason, perhaps fearing that the Christian element would be diminished, Emilie Bertelson did not want ‘outsiders’ to be involved in the project. Bertelson and Falen had different views about the orphanage. Karin Falen saw how unsolvable this dilemma 44 ibid. 45 Ibid. 46 Third Baptist World Congress. Stockholm, July 21-27, 1923. Record of Proceedings (London: Kingsgate Press, 1923), p. 130. 47 Lagergren, Framgdngstid med dubbla fortecken: Svenska baptistsamjundet aren 1914-1932 , p. 136. 48 E.J. Dahl, Emilie Bertelsoni elu ja Mustvee tdopold , p. 4. 14 Journal of European Baptist Studies was, and so she travelled back home in the Spring of 1924, the disagreement with Bertelson being at least part of the reason for her leaving St Petersburg. The CFMSMA decided not to open an orphanage in St Petersburg and informed the agent of the Red Cross about the decision. 49 In 1924 Emilie Bertelson received orders from the State authorities to leave Russia. She decided to apply for Russian (Soviet) citizenship, which would have allowed her to stay in the country but she was turned down because she was suspected of being a spy. 50 Bertelson was very committed to her ministry, and at times she was more stubborn than necessary as she strived to reach her goals. However, this time there seemed to be no way for her to continue Christian work in Russia. After she had been interrogated by the Secret Police three times, and been under suspicion of being a spy, she was informed by the authorities of the final date when she had to leave the country. On 25 th June 1924 she travelled to Estonia and stayed in Tallinn for some time. 51 Her time in Russia was over and work started in other fields. The Christian work in the House of Gospel continued. On 31 st December 1924, twenty people were baptised and the small group of children, whom Emilie Bertelson had g