Lehtimäki Church
Etelä-Pohjanmaa
Lehtimäki Church, located in Alajärvi's Lehtimäki area in South Ostrobothnia, Finland, is a remarkable example of a symmetrical cross church designed by architect Jacob Rijff and completed in 1800. The church features an octagonal towered attic at the crossing, with saddle roofs on the arms and a multi-faceted hipped roof on the attic. Inside, the arms are covered with wooden vaulting, and a round dome crowns the center. The separate three-story bell tower, built by Abraham Hernesmaa in 1835 and connected to the church in 1895, houses bells dating from the early 19th century. The church has undergone several restorations, notably in 1845, 1895-1897, and a major restoration and renovation in 1947-1948 supervised by Antti Salmenlinna, who also added ceiling paintings and modernized the heating and electrical systems. The church acquired historic Kangasala organs originally made for another church in 1894, upgraded in 1967. Another restoration in 1988-1989 led by architects Matti and Aune Klemola restored original altar elements and introduced a translucent textile artwork by Merja Ylivinka. The altar features a wooden crucifix sculpture by Kalle Isolehto from 1946, replacing an earlier altar painting. The church and its surroundings are nationally recognized as culturally significant by the Finnish Heritage Agency. Lehtimäki Church stands out for its architectural uniqueness, historical significance, and preserved cultural heritage within the rural landscape of South Ostrobothnia.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official parish website for current service times, concerts, and special events such as folk song masses or cello concerts. The best time to visit is during scheduled events to experience the church's vibrant community life. Advance booking is not typically required for visits, but attending services or concerts may benefit from early arrival. Discounts or free entry apply during religious services. The church is accessible by local roads and offers a serene setting for contemplative visits.
Interesting facts
- •The church's bell tower is a separate three-story structure built in 1835 and connected to the main church building 60 years later in 1895.
- •Lehtimäki Church houses historic Kangasala organs originally built in 1894 for Parkano Church, later upgraded in 1967 while preserving the original facade.
- •The church ceiling paintings were created during the 1947-1948 restoration under the supervision of Antti Salmenlinna, who also modernized heating and electrical systems.
- •The altar features a wooden crucifix sculpture named 'Ristiinnaulittu' by Kalle Isolehto from 1946, replacing an earlier altar painting by Onni Oja.
- •The Finnish Heritage Agency has classified Lehtimäki Church and its surroundings as nationally significant cultural environments.
History
Lehtimäki Church was completed in 1800, designed by Jacob Rijff as a unique octagonal cross church with a distinctive towered attic.
The bell tower was constructed in 1835 by Abraham Hernesmaa and later connected to the church in 1895.
The church underwent significant restorations in 1845 and from 1895 to 1897.
A major renovation in 1947-1948 modernized the building, adding heating, electricity, and decorative ceiling paintings.
Another restoration in 1988-1989 restored original altar furnishings and introduced new artwork, preserving the church's historical character.
The bell tower's bells date back to 1801 and 1877, emphasizing the church's long-standing heritage.
Place Guide
Main Church Interior1800
The interior showcases a unique octagonal cross layout with wooden vaulting on the arms and a central round dome. The ceiling paintings from the 1947-1948 restoration add artistic and historical value to the space.
Bell Tower1835
A separate three-story bell tower built in 1835 by Abraham Hernesmaa, connected to the church in 1895. It houses bells from 1801 and 1877, integral to the church's historic soundscape.
Altar and Artworks1946 (altar sculpture), 1988-1989 (textile artwork)
The altar features a wooden crucifix sculpture titled 'Ristiinnaulittu' by Kalle Isolehto from 1946. A translucent textile artwork named 'Valon hetki' by Merja Ylivinka adorns the southern choir window, designed by Aune Klemola during the 1988-1989 restoration.
Historic Kangasala Organ1894 (original), 1967 (upgrade)
The church houses an 8-stop organ originally built in 1894 for Parkano Church by Kangasala Organ Factory, upgraded to 18 stops in 1967 while preserving the original facade.
Contact
Phone: 06 5570800
