Built in 1765, Lappajärvi Church is located in Kirkkoniemi, in Lappajärvi. The church is in the shape of a cross with slanting exterior corners, and it and the bell tower were built by Matti Honka. The rooftop is adorned by an octagonal ‘lantern’ structure, topped by a spike. The church seats about 500 people.
Repairs were carried out in 1904, 1965 and 1987, when electric heating and a new organ were installed. The church underwent more extensive renovation in 2015. The church was painted inside and out, the windows were insulated, the roof was tarred and some structural changes were made to the church choir. In addition, alarm, smoke detection, lighting, electricity and sound systems were replaced, and entrances were altered.
The church got its current organ in 1987, when it celebrated its 350th anniversary. The 21-stop organ was made by organ maker Hans Heinrich. The mechanical organ was placed on the floor level, next to the choir. The arrangement has proved functional in practice.
The pulpit, which was designed Johannes Backman and built in 1765, is decorated with paintings depicting Moses, John the Baptist and the four evangelists. It also features Christian symbols. The altar is located in one corner of the centre of the cross, in a manner similar to Pietarsaari Church. The altarpiece, Jeesuksen hautaus (the Burial of Jesus) was painted by architect Ilmari Launis in 1915.
An alms box figure in the shape of a pauper boy, which stands next to the bell tower, was renovated in 1841. The long church boat, which is showcased in the cemetery, is originally from Itäkylä and serves as a reminder of the journeys parishioners had to take to church services in times before modern transport connections.
