Community Construction Works at Tuhalaane Church
The Tuhalaane Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God is an Estonian Apostolic-Orthodox church located in Tuhalaane village, Mulgi parish, Viljandi County. The church is a protected cultural heritage site (monument reg. no. 14508). Since Estonia regained its independence, the local community has made continuous efforts to restore the church, but the walls currently remain in ruins.
Our primary goal is to help the community preserve the ruins in cooperation with the National Heritage Board and the Estonian Apostolic-Orthodox Church (EAÕK). In the autumn of 2025, some preparatory work was completed (erecting scaffolding around the east aisle and roofing the east aisle). In April 2026, the first three-day construction works took place to restore the brick cornice of the east aisle.
The summer construction works will take place from August 3rd to 7th, 2026.
Planned Works:
- Continuing the restoration of the east aisle cornice
- Erecting scaffolding in the south aisle and beginning the restoration of its cornices
- Continuing the repointing of the plinth (base course) in the west aisle
- There is also plenty of work for those who prefer not to lay bricks: cleaning cornice bricks, cleaning the plinth, and clearing out the church interior.
Participants
We can accommodate up to 15 restoration enthusiasts. If you would like to participate, please write to us at: info@vanaajamaja.ee
Practical Information
What to bring: If possible, please bring safety goggles and a hard hat, and be sure to wear weather-resistant work clothing.
Meals: Lunch and dinner will be provided by the local village house, located just a short walk away.
Accommodation: Lodging has been booked at the Loodi village house (cost for participants is €15/night, breakfast included).
History of Tuhalaane Church
The five-cupola church, built of quarry stone, decorated with grit and with a white-washed central part, was built according to a standard design by Heinrich Schel and constructed in 1873 in the name of the Dormition of the Mother of God. The roof and the helms of the octagonal cupolas were covered by painted tin, the western gable held a wooden bell tower. In 1938 the congregation had 555 members. In 1950, lightning struck the church, destroying the tower, the lobby and part of the roof. The partially burned church was left to decay, and closed down in 1952.*
Contact:
Project Manager is Andres Uus. Master on Masonary works is Omar Linna.
All questions and proposals for cooperation are welcome to info@vanaajamaja.ee or phone +372 56658117 (Piret).
*Jaanus Plaat, Arne Maasik. Orthodox Churches, Convents and Chapels in Estonia. Estonian Academy of Art 2011.
