Pispala Church
Pispala Church is a modern church in the historic Pispala district, built as an extension to a 1949 parish centre. Consecrated in 1971, its flexible worship space combines modern architecture with much older church art and furnishings.
Pispalan valtatie 16, 33250 Tampere
Open during scheduled activities.
050 320 6331
church caretaker
Max 330 people
Accessibility
- Step-free entrance: The main entrance at the rear of the building is step-free. The doors open automatically, and the entrance can also be used with a powered wheelchair.
- Accessible parking: One designated accessible parking space is located next to the main entrance at the rear of the building.
- Step-free access: The worship space, Silmukka and the parish hall can be reached without steps.
- Youth space Pirkko: Step-free entrance is available from outside, at the end of the building.
- Accessible toilet: Located in the main lobby.
- Hearing loop: Available in the worship space.
- Large-print and Braille hymn books: Located next to the entrance to the worship space.
History and architecture
Pispala Church is located in Ala-Pispala and belongs to Harju Parish. It forms part of a parish centre completed in 1949 and designed by architect Bertel Strömmer.
The original wooden Pispala Church was destroyed by fire in 1968. A new worship space was built as an extension to the parish centre according to plans by architect Jaakko Ilveskoski, and the church was consecrated in August 1971.
The building complex is protected and is considered architecturally and historically significant. For many people in Pispala, the church has been an important setting for life’s milestones, including baptisms, confirmations, weddings and worship services.
Renovations and improvements
The exterior of the church and parish centre was renovated in 1996–1997.
A major renovation was carried out in 2017–2019. Bishop Matti Repo blessed the renovated church for use on Epiphany, 6 January 2019.
The renovation added a multipurpose space called Akvaario, which connects the parish centre and the worship space. The renovated facilities are home to activities including an open living room run by diaconal work, the Varikko community for young adults and the Pirkko youth lounge.
Worship space
The worship space is spacious, high-ceilinged and asymmetrical. The organ is located on the right-hand side. Movable furnishings allow the space to be adapted for different events.
The church has 330 seats. Its acoustics are well suited to both worship services and concerts.
Among the oldest objects in the worship space are a medieval wooden crucifix and a Renaissance-style pulpit, both originating from the former Harju chapel church (c. 1639–1858).
Altarpieces
Pispala Church has two altarpieces, which alternate according to the church year.
The Almighty
The Almighty is a three-part oil painting by Annukka Laine, completed in 2005. The central panel depicts the face of Christ, with angels on the side panels.
The work is rich in symbolism. The stars refer to the disciples and the twelve tribes of Israel, while Alpha and Omega represent the beginning and the end. The Almighty is displayed for most of the church year.
Immanuel – God with Us
Immanuel is a painting by Annukka Laine from 2005. It depicts a mother and child and is displayed from the First Sunday of Advent until Epiphany.
During Advent, the painting is placed in the centre of the altar triptych in place of The Almighty, and the side panels are turned to reveal paintings on their reverse sides.
Crucifix and pulpit
The crucifix at Pispala Church is a wooden sculpture approximately two metres high, originating from the former Harju chapel church. Its exact origin is uncertain: it may be German craftsmanship from the early 17th century or may have been made in Finland.
The pulpit represents the Renaissance style of the 17th century and is decorated with elaborate wood carvings. Parts of the original structure from the old Harju church have survived, and the present pulpit was assembled using restored elements.
Organ
Pispala Church received a new organ in 2011. It was inaugurated on the First Sunday of Advent, 27 November 2011.
Built by Martti Porthan Organ Builders, the instrument is modelled on the organs of Gottfried Silbermann. It was Tampere’s first Baroque-style organ and is particularly well suited to music of the Baroque period. The organ has 24 stops, two manuals and a pedalboard.
Mission candle stand
The globe-shaped mission candle stand at Pispala Church was inspired by one at Uppsala Cathedral in 1968. Erkki Malkavaara, vicar of Harju Parish, wanted a similar candle stand for the new church in Pispala.
The candle stand was forged by Salvation Army Brigadier Antti Virta and completed for the consecration of the church in 1971. For decades, it has been used in support of the church’s mission work.
The candle stand was placed in storage during the major renovation but has since been returned to the church.