St. Matthew´s Church

Helsinki 2019 3 131.00 brm² Repair construction

 

In the project decided by the church council, the interior of the church property was modified to accommodate the current and future needs of its users. Ventilation was enhanced, and the teaching kitchen was expanded. Additionally, the audiovisual technology in the church and parish hall was updated, and sound insulation in the offices was improved. In a later phase of the project, the building’s roof and facades were repaired.

The Evangelist Matthew’s namesake church stands adjacent to the Itis shopping center and next to the cultural center Stoa. Located at the corner of Olavinlinnantie and Turunlinnantie, St. Matthew’s Church was designed by architects Veli-Pekka Tuominen and Stefan Ahlman and was completed in 1985. The church is named after the Gospel writer Matthew, whose symbol is a winged angelic figure. Bishop Samuel Lehtonen consecrated the church on February 24, 1985. The church building features a flat roof with a steel-reinforced concrete frame and red brick facades. It consists of a taller Church section and a two-story club and office section. The church hall accommodates 200 people, with an additional 150 people in the adjoining parish hall.

Previously, St. Matthew’s Church served as the main church for the Vartiokylä parish until the parish relinquished the building in 2016, moving to Vartiokylä Church and Puotila Chapel. Currently, St. Matthew’s Church serves as the main church for the Swedish-speaking parish, Matteus församlingen. The shared parish work utilizes the space alongside the church’s activities. On weekdays, the church also operates a food waste restaurant.