Altarpiece
Altarpiece
Human art: capturing spirituality at work
During the first renovation of the church in 1955-56, a new altarpiece and crucifix were ordered. The altarpiece by Saarijärvi artist Hannes Auteree is entitled "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden." In keeping with the spirit of the working-class district of Kallio, the artist has used real people who lived in the area. Aarne Monni, the long-time head custodian of the Kallio church, says the artist asked him about his parents' occupations. That's how, for example, a bricklayer and a laundress ended up in the painting.
The wooden triumphal crucifix was later put in place. The church thus has three crosses symbolising the Trinity of God: the altar's "Creator", the triumphal crucifix "Redeemer" and the empty cross on the ridge of the church tower "Sanctifier", the conqueror of death.