Wooden Church

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A bit of history: In 1698, there was already a wooden church on this site, which was rebuilt and renovated several times before being demolished in 1938. A new wooden church in the Székely style was constructed based on the plans of Bálint Szeghalmy, the city's chief engineer. On 4 December 1997, the church fell victim to arson. Rebuilt through public donations according to the original plans, the church was consecrated on 2 May 1999. On 29 October 2000, the ashes of its designer, Bálint Szeghalmy, and his wife, brought back from Germany, were buried near the church. On the same day, the organ designed by Miklós Albert was inaugurated, completing the ensemble of ecclesiastical art. The western blade wall, southern gateway, and small gallery arches form the ancient Hungarian script letter 'S', symbolising the heavens. This aligns with the life tree flower pattern seen on the pew ends. The reconstruction of the western stained glass windows was carried out by glass designer Mária Horváth. The chalice, the hand holding the burning heart, and the Holy Spirit dove represent the Lord's Supper, a life dedicated to God, and the work of the Holy Spirit, according to Reformed symbols. The eastern stained glass windows, created by János Keve Kovács, depict elements of the Reformed Church's coat of arms: the lamb with the flag symbolises Christ, the burning sun disc represents Christ's glory, and the phoenix bird signifies resurrection and the Reformation. This latter symbol is also featured on the pulpit crown. The central relief on the communion table depicts a chalice, and its cover's frame originates from the 200-year-old oak gate of the Szentlászló church in southern Hungary. The interior carvings and sawed patterns of the church – including hearts, Székely stars, St. Andrew's crosses, and tulips – are exquisite examples of ancient Hungarian and Christian symbols. The symbolic imagery adorning the entire iconography of the Wooden Church expresses the meeting of life and death, where life triumphs through the power of Christ. The church's timber is 95% pine (red, Scots, and spruce). The building's knee-braced, twin-posted, suspended structure reflects the traditions of Székely master builders, revived here for the first time in the 20th century by the former designer, Bálint Szeghalmy. The church can be visited during worship services or by prior arrangement on weekdays between 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00. Prior arrangement: Gábor Szabó +36 20 238 7844.