Siuntio Wooden Church
Did you know there used to be a wooden church next to the mediaeval St Peter's Church in Siuntio?
Historical records confirm that a large wooden church once stood east of the current stone church in Siuntio. Constructed in 1685, this dual-church arrangement was a characteristic feature of bilingual parishes during the tenure of Governor-General Per Brahe. The proximity of the two structures allowed for simultaneous services in both Finnish and Swedish.
While no visual depictions of the wooden church survive, written accounts, notably by historian Reinhold Hausen, provide a detailed architectural profile. By 1870, the building was described as being in a state of advanced decay, despite a renovation in 1824 that had modernised the interior and enlarged the windows.
In 1881, Siuntio Parish sold the structure at auction to Johan Malm of Bollsta for 400 marks. The timber was repurposed to construct a mill house at Passila Rapids, though that building was subsequently destroyed by fire.
Historical records confirm that a large wooden church once stood east of the current stone church in Siuntio. Constructed in 1685, this dual-church arrangement was a characteristic feature of bilingual parishes during the tenure of Governor-General Per Brahe. The proximity of the two structures allowed for simultaneous services in both Finnish and Swedish.
While no visual depictions of the wooden church survive, written accounts, notably by historian Reinhold Hausen, provide a detailed architectural profile. By 1870, the building was described as being in a state of advanced decay, despite a renovation in 1824 that had modernised the interior and enlarged the windows.
Architectural Features and Interior Decor
The church followed a rectangular floor plan with specialised log rooms and specific lighting arrangements:- Layout: A main rectangular hall with square, windowless extensions on the north and south sides.
- Lighting: Five windows in total: two on the north wall, two on the south, and a primary window behind the altar.
- Ceiling: An arched design described as resembling an inverted "U."
- Access: Entry was situated at the western end through a modest vestibule.
Decommissioning and Legacy
By the late 19th century, several factors led to the church's obsolescence, including the integration of the two language groups and the increasing prominence of the stone church, which had acquired an organ in the 1700s.In 1881, Siuntio Parish sold the structure at auction to Johan Malm of Bollsta for 400 marks. The timber was repurposed to construct a mill house at Passila Rapids, though that building was subsequently destroyed by fire.
Today, fragments of the wooden church’s legacy remain: the crucifix and parts of the pulpit are preserved in St Peter's Church in Siuntio, while the wooden sculptures are held by the National Museum of Finland.
References:
- Koskivirta, Anu (2010). Sjundeå - Nyckelkommun genom tiderna. Sjundeå kommun. p. 61.
- Brenner, Alf (1953). Sjundeå Sockens Historia I. Hembygdens Vänner i Sjundeå. p. 175.