Going to Church

St John's or Johanneksenkirkko 

is a Lutheran church designed by the Swedish architect Adolf Melander.  It is built in the Gothic Revival style.  Johanne's church stands on a hill.  It is the largest stone church in Finland and because of its large seating capacity is still used for concerts.  The acoustics are excellent.  The church was built from 1888 to 1893.  The altar piece was not painted until 1932.  The artist Eero Jamefelt was the brother-in-law of Sibelius.   

The stain glass above these entry doors was the only colored glass that I could see in the building.  

Temple in the Rock or Church in the Rock/Rock Church 

is located close to downtown Helsinki. In Finnish it is known as Temppeliaukio Kirkko.  This is an extraordinary building and even more unusual, I think, because it is a place of worship.  Its  official website invites people to inquire about becoming part of the congregation.  

This unusual Lutheran church was created by blasting out the interior of a massive rock. The city of Helsinki is peppered with enormous rocks. Most of the structures are built on top of them. The construction was begun in February 1968 and completed in September of 1969.  A plan for the church was accepted in 1930 but because of WW II was delayed.  A new architectural competition was won by architects Timo Suomalainen and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1961.  Below the church is a bomb shelter that will protect 6000 people.

Because of the acoustics the building is frequently used for concerts.  While visiting the church yesterday recorded music was playing.  With the natural lighting coming from above, the atmosphere of the church invites contemplation. 
  

The pews and chairs in the church are blue with a mauve fabric covering the seats.  On the altar where flowers matching the mauve accents on the benches.