Suolahden kirkko ja kirkkomuseo

A distinctive church representing functionalism, with the church museum of Äänekosken seurakunta on site.

The spiritual life of the growing industrial community of Suolahti was hindered from the early 1900s by the lack of its own church and the long distance to Äänekosken kirkko. Priests most reliably visited Suolahti only for the biggest holidays.

Residents of Suolahti seriously set about acquiring their own church in the early 1930s. Although the Winter War and shortages of materials made construction difficult, the church and its adjoining parish hall were completed in 1940. The church was designed by architect Georg Henriksson and represents late functionalism.

The altarpiece is an oil painting titled "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." The painting is by artist Alf Danning from 1953. The artist died before finishing the work, but his pupil completed it. The painting’s landscape is distinctly Suolahti: it depicts Suojärvi and Kirppuvuori. The figures harvesting ripened grain feel distinctly Finnish.

In 2009–2010, the exterior and interior were fully renovated. At the same time, the landscaping was renewed.

The church museum of Äänekosken seurakunta opened on the lower level of Suolahden kirkko in 2016. The museum displays the parish’s regional histories, objects, photographs, liturgical vestments, and more. A tour can accommodate 10 people at a time.

The church seats 300 people.