Cornerstone ceremony held for new church in Rautjärvi, Finland

In Rautjärvi, a cornerstone ceremony was held on Friday for a new church, attended by around one hundred people. A time capsule was embedded in the cornerstone, containing local newspapers, church plans, and a prayer service format. The previous church was destroyed by fire during a Christmas Day service in 2022, with about 30 parishioners inside at the time. Fortunately, everyone escaped safely, but the police suspected arson, a case that remains unresolved.

Prior to the ceremony, Pastor Leena Haakana held a prayer moment. She reported that plans for the new church have progressed positively, with its inauguration tentatively scheduled for August 2024. Haakana emphasized the historical significance of the site, explaining that a church has stood in the area since the 17th century, and although previous structures have been lost, new ones have always been built. “It is a joy to move forward,” she noted.

The pastor described the importance of having a physical gathering place for the community and highlighted that the construction is meant to be a church rather than a chapel. Local resident and church council member Seija Stavén expressed optimism, stating, “A church is always a church. We’re getting a wonderfully beautiful building.”

The ruins of the old church will remain as a memorial, enhanced with plantings and benches for reflection. Culture heritage expert Saana Tammisto remarked that modern church designs now focus on multi-functionality as congregations centralize activities within them. The new church will incorporate old textiles from the Ruokolahti church, donated by local women in the 1970s, symbolizing a connection across generations and linking both congregations into a unified community.