Monument for the Kuorikoski church builder family
Kaustinen graveyard Kappelintie 14
Ilmari Wirkkala himself was also part of the Kuorikoski family from his mother’s side. It was thus natural that he was commissioned to design a monument for the family who built nearly twenty churches in Finland.
The Kuorikoskis were the most significant family that, without formal training, built churches recognised even today as enduring and harmoniously beautiful.
Ilmari created the monument in the shape of a traditional bell-tower. The monument bears the names of the builders and their lifespans in the 1700s and 1800s. It was unveiled with festive ceremonies in July 1938.
Stories
Before the Winter War, Ilmari Wirkkala had his hands full of work. Projects in his home region were always more important than other works, so he was pleased to have the opportunity to design the Kuorikoski church builder monument in the Kaustinen graveyard.
The sides of the monument feature the names of the builders and a mention of the 19 churches they constructed throughout Finland.
The ceremony itself was impressive. Professor Heikki Klemetti was invited to give a speech, but unfortunately he fell ill and could not make it to the event.
Photos
Monument for the Kuorikoski church builder family
Escape from Paradise (the parish centre of Kaustinen, conserved)
Shepherds’ bow (Kaustinen church, altarpiece until 1970, now in storage)
