Lappajärvi church

Lappajärvi Church is a cruciform wooden church with chamfered outer corners, built in 1765 by Matti Honka. The parish’s first church and bell tower were constructed in 1637. A distinctive octagonal lantern structure rises from the roof.

The church underwent renovations in 1904, 1965, 1987, and a major restoration in 2015. The latest renovation included interior and exterior painting, window insulation, roof tar treatment, structural improvements, and upgrades to technical systems. The church seats about 500 people.

The first organ was installed in 1937. The current 21-stop mechanical organ, built by Hans Heinrich Organ Factory, was introduced in 1987.

The 1765 pulpit, made by Johan Backman, features paintings of biblical figures and Christian symbols. The altarpiece, *The Burial of Jesus*, was painted in 1915 by architect Ilmari Launis. The Alpha and Omega stained-glass works were donated in 2004.

The bell tower received its present appearance in 1840. Its two bells date from 1652 and 1727. A traditional poor box figure stands beside the tower, and a church boat displayed in the cemetery commemorates the congregation’s historic journeys to church by boat.