In a competition announced in 1891 for an altarpiece for the church, Albert Edelfelt won both first and second prize. But Edelfelt objected to the limited space the architect had reserved for the painting. Unable to agree on how to proceed, the process stalled. It was four decades before 'The Heavenly Vision', a work by Eero Järnefelt, was completed in 1932. The theme of the altarpiece is how Saul of Tarsus was converted to the Christian faith and became the apostle Paul.

The wooden figures on both sides of the altarpiece represent Peter and Paul - Paul is thus depicted twice next to each other.

Further down there is room for several saints, according to the Catholic model.

For four decades, therefore, the altarpiece was replaced by a blue cloth. Initially, churchgoers were upset when the painting was put in place; they were used to and liked the blue cloth.

Albert Edelfelt

Albert Edelfelt (1854-1905) was a Finnish-Swedish painter and illustrator known for his elegant paintings of life in Paris. He introduced plein air painting to Finland and played a significant role in the Finnish art world during his time. His works include history paintings, portraits and folk scenes. Edelfelt has received international recognition and his legacy lives on in museums, including his own museum in Porvoo, Finland.

Eero Järnefelt

Eero Järnefelt (1863-1937) was a Finnish painter known for his realistic and naturalistic landscape paintings depicting Finnish nature and folk life. Among his most famous works is 'Under the Elms'. He was part of the Finnish Golden Age of art and had close ties to cultural figures such as composer Jean Sibelius. Järnefelt's work is a central part of Finland's artistic heritage.