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Laajasalo Church

Laajasalo church

03.04.2017, 15:57
Antiqued copper lines the Laajasalo church. Representing modern wood architecture, the shrine is a versatile activity centre, where one can also stop for a cup of coffee on weekdays.

The Laajasalo church, completed in 2003, was designed by architects, Kari Järvinen and Merja Nieminen. The building is mostly made of wood. The external cladding of the church and parish meeting hall, and part of the bell tower and activity facilities, is antiqued copper plate. The rest of the external cladding is made out of horizontal boarding. The church was awarded prize in 2004 for high-level wood construction, and in 2005 it received the Copper in Architecture award.

The altar reliefs of the church were made by artist, Pauno Pohjolainen. The larger relief is on the altar and describes human life as a sweltering desert, but also a place of preparation. The smaller relief is behind the font. Its redness describes the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. On the right corner of the relief, there is an angel's wing as the sign of God's blessing and protection.

The church textiles were designed by textile artist, Heli Tuori-Luutonen. The textiles were made by Suomen Käsityön Ystävät (Friends of Finnish Handicraft). On the wall of the entrance lobby of the church is the ship-themed work of artist, Merja Vinqvist: Votiivi (Votive). The altar and furnishings of the church and parish meeting hall were designed by Jouko Järvisalo.

The organ of Laajasalo church, which came into use in 2006, was built by the Austrian organ factory, Kögler. It has 22 stops and two keyboards. The organ represents the baroque style.

The four bells of the church were manufactured in Holland. From smallest to largest, the following Bible texts are cast in them: Ps 34:4, 5 Moses 33:27, Romans 6:23 and Matthew 11:28. The bells are programmed to play the tunes of different phrases from hymns, based on the festive seasons of the ecclesiastical year.

The Laajasalo church is one of the three churches of the Roihuvuori parish. There is also a cafeteria in the church, where people can drop by while shopping. The cafeteria is open on weekdays 10 am–2 pm.

Celebrations at the church

Members of the church can organise a baptism, a wedding or a funeral free of charge in the church.

The church seats 160. If the parish meeting hall is joined to it, there are 350 seats in all. There are 80 seats at the tables in the parish meeting hall. A kitchen and tableware for 200 are available to the party organiser.