Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the phases of development and the present state of the parsonages of the Evangelic Lutheran Church of Finland built before 1940. The study also surveyed the ownership and current use of preserved parsonages. A summary was compiled of what Finnish parsonages actually are today and an estimate was made of what their future could be like in light of the information on their renovation and condition acquired in this study. This study is divided into two main parts. The first part, primarily consisting of literary research, takes a look at parsonage construction and buildings in the overall setting of relevant legislation and historic and social changes. The development of parsonages as building types and courtyards was studied and the effects of structural innovations and customs on construction were examined. In this conjunction the development of the style of parsonages is covered from the 1600s to the present. The second part of the study examines the process of change in parsonages and their repair after the Second World War and analyses changes in milieus and scenery at the end of the 1900s. A significant part of the study consists of a look at the present use of the parsonages included in the study, as well as a review of questions related to their renovation and conservation. Parsonages protected by the Building Conservation Act are examined separately. To assess the current state of parsonages, a field study of 423 parsonages was made. This field study consisted of surveying the present condition of the buildings and milieus, determining their use and ownership, evaluating their chances of being preserved, and determining their history of renovations. Approximately 300 parsonage owners, renters and parish workers were interviewed and all the parsonages and their surroundings were photographed. Four parsonages, which are representative of Finnish parsonages with respect to age, location, history and use, are examined in this study as examples. In 1935 about one fifth of buildings used as parsonages were destroyed. Approximately 560 parsonages built before 1940 still exist. About half of the 357 parsonages owned by parishes are used as parsonages. After the war renovation has changed from upkeep to complete renovation. The examination of the current state and condition of parsonages indicated that too thorough renovation is the greatest threat to the buildings. The study looks into the possibilities and problems involved in the various uses and repair methods of old parsonages. However, it is not possible to present only one recommended model for use or renovation.