Fredrik Church

Fredrik Church, known locally as Fredrikskyrkan, stands proudly in the heart of Karlskrona, Sweden, a city renowned for its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural heritage. This iconic baroque church is not just a place of worship but a monument that narrates tales of the past, blending architectural brilliance with historical significance.

The History of Fredrik Church

The story of Fredrik Church begins on September 9, 1720, when the first stone was laid by the then-governor Salomon von Otter. The construction of this magnificent structure was a grand affair, with limestone sourced from the island of Öland and bricks transported from the Verkö brickworks. The groundwork was completed by August 25, 1721, but it wasn't until 1744 that the church was officially inaugurated. The grand opening was graced by the presence of Crown Prince Adolf Fredrik and Princess Lovisa Ulrika, whose later coronation is commemorated within the church.

Named after King Fredrik I, the church’s twin towers, originally intended to be topped with spires, were completed in 1758. The design of Fredrik Church is a quintessential example of baroque architecture, envisioned by the renowned architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. It replaced the temporary wooden church of Hedvig Eleonora, which had served the Storkyrkoförsamlingen congregation.

Surviving Adversity

In 1790, Fredrik Church was engulfed in a devastating fire. Although it suffered significant damage, it fared better than the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity. The roof and the beams supporting the bells collapsed, but the large bell was miraculously saved by the copious amounts of wood shavings left behind by organ builders. The church underwent restoration between 1805 and 1806, led by the distinguished architect Olof Tempelman, during which it was fitted with a copper roof.

Further restorations took place in 1913-1915 under Axel Lindegren and again in 1967-1968. The most extensive renovation occurred from 2015 to 2018, led by Danish restoration architect Ole Drachmann. This ambitious project aimed to transform the baroque church into a multifunctional space while preserving its historical essence. The fixed pews were replaced with movable chairs, and an oak floor was installed where the pews once stood. A striking elliptical black diabase baptismal font with an overflow effect and a freestanding central altar made of white Carrara marble were added, enhancing the sacred pathway from baptism to the Eucharist.

Architectural and Artistic Marvels

Fredrik Church's interior is a testament to its rich history and artistic heritage. The church features six niches, each serving unique purposes such as conversations, devotions, children's altars, baptismal candles, baptismal trees, and exhibitions. The church was reopened by Bishop Johan Tyrberg on March 25, 2018, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.

Among the church's notable artifacts is the central altar designed by artist Pål Svensson, installed during the 2015-2018 renovation. The elliptical baptismal font, also designed by Svensson, is a masterpiece of form and function, with a cross-hammered gray outer surface and an inner bowl that can be raised and lowered, creating a flowing water effect.

The pulpit, crafted in 1854 in a neoclassical style by Johan Adolf Hawerman, was regilded during the 1913-1915 restoration. It is accompanied by a sculpted and gilded wooden hourglass in the form of an angel of death, donated by shipbuilder Gilbert Sheldon in 1744. The church also houses a large brass chandelier in the crossing, donated by merchant Petter Romberg in 1744. Although it was damaged in the 1790 fire, it was repaired and rehung in 1792. Additional brass chandeliers from 1878 and smaller electric chandeliers from the 1913-1915 renovation add to the church's luminous charm.

The Bells and Organs

Fredrik Church boasts three church bells, with the largest hanging in the southern tower. Originally donated to Hedvig Eleonora Church by Rutger von Ascheberg and recast in Stockholm in 1691 at the expense of King Karl XI, this bell is a symbol of historical continuity. The other two bells, located in the northern tower, weigh approximately 1700 kg and 850 kg, respectively. The southern tower also houses a carillon with 35 bells, installed in 1967 by Bergholtz bell foundry in Sigtuna. Donated by lawyer Povel Grönvall, the carillon plays three times daily, offering a melodious connection to the past.

The church's first organ, originally housed in the temporary wooden church, was replaced in 1764 by a larger organ built by Lars Wahlberg of Kalmar. This organ, with its 33 stops, two manuals, and pedal, was renowned for its beautiful facade crafted by naval sculptor Niklas Ekekrantz. Although replaced in 1905 by a romantic organ from Åkerman & Lund Orgelbyggeri, the original facade was preserved. Between 1982 and 1987, the organ was reconstructed to its 1764 specifications by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri, making it one of the finest representatives of its time in Sweden. The 1905 organ was reinstalled on the northern side gallery in 2015, with reconstruction work carried out by Bergenblad & Jonssons Orgelbyggeri and Åkerman & Lund, expected to be completed by 2018.

Fredrik Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its walls echo with the stories of centuries past, while its ongoing restorations and renovations ensure that it remains a vibrant and functional space for future generations. A visit to Fredrik Church is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Karlskrona's heritage and the enduring legacy of this magnificent baroque masterpiece.