New church rises after fire uncovered more than 100 human remains

Construction has begun on a new church in Hedenäset, a village in Övertorneå, Sweden, after the Hietaniemi wooden church was destroyed by fire, Yle reports.

The fire in 2023 destroyed the 18th-century church and the bell tower beside it. The blaze started in the bell tower and consumed almost all of the church’s furnishings.

Work on the replacement church began in early August.

“It feels good that construction of the church has now begun,” said Ulf Hannu, chair of the church council.

The new building will follow the style of the previous church but will be smaller. Hannu said it would nevertheless be suitable for multiple uses.

The total cost is expected to be about 35 million Swedish kronor, or just under 3.2 million euros. The church is scheduled for completion in June next year.

Human remains found during excavations

Archaeological excavations at the site of the burned wooden church uncovered the remains of more than 100 people, including two small children.

After being examined, the remains were returned to Hietaniemi in Övertorneå.

An osteologist has analysed the remains, and several chemical examinations are also planned. Chemical sex determination and DNA analysis will be used to investigate the origins, family relationships and possible family structures of people buried beneath churches.

The research will also examine burial practices from the 1600s and 1700s. The results will be published no earlier than next winter.

The nearly 300-year-old church was an important cultural heritage site for local residents, and its destruction caused deep shock.