Konginkankaan kirkko

The oldest church of Äänekosken seurakunta.

Exhibitions in the church in July 2021:

Riitta Pasanen-Hytösen Elämän puu -näyttely

Juuret Keski-Suomessa -näyttely

The largest and oldest church of Äänekosken seurakunta was completed before the famine years, during 1864–1866. The church officially began as a prayer house; the first service was held on 10 June 1866. Building the large church was a major challenge for the community; at that time Konginkangas had only 32 houses. Timber was felled from the village forests and, under the direction of the church’s designer Jaakko Kuorikoski, the people of Konginkangas erected a church for themselves and future generations. It is among the last churches in Finland designed by vernacular master builders.

In 1898–99 a major renovation and alteration was carried out, designed by provincial architect K.V. Reinius. After this work the interior and exterior changed; among other things, the barrel‑vaulted roof was replaced with a dome. The church adopted influences from Gothic and Renaissance styles. Thus, at Konginkankaan kirkko you can see both the old craftsmanship of vernacular builders and later historicist revival style.

Next to the church stands a bell tower completed in 1880, built by Jaakko Kuorikoski’s son Lars Henrik (Heikki) Kuorikoski. In summer, the belfry houses a café.

The church seats 550 people.

There are no toilets in the church. The nearest WC is near the car park, at the end of the parish hall’s extension wing.

A hearing loop covers the seating in the lower part of the church.

Wheelchair access is possible, though the ramp is steep and rather narrow.

In winter the church is often cool; please dress accordingly. During winter, the church is not used for services from early January until Palm Sunday; services are then held at the parish hall.

In summer, Konginkankaan kirkko operates as a Road Church.