Lidingö Church

Lidingö Church, or Lidingö kyrka in the local language, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Lidingö, Sweden. Perched on an elevated site south of Kyrkviken in the Hersby area, this church is not only the oldest in the Lidingö parish but also a beacon of architectural and historical significance.

The History of Lidingö Church

The origins of Lidingö Church date back to 1623 when it was constructed at the behest of Svante Gustafsson Banér and his wife Ebba Grip, who resided at Djursholm Castle. Historical records indicate that the church was rebuilt in 1623, suggesting the presence of an earlier structure, likely a simple wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Anna. This earlier chapel is believed to have been established in the late 15th or early 16th century, during a period when Franciscan monks were spreading Roman Catholic teachings.

The church was initially much smaller than the current structure, measuring only 13 by 8 meters. The north wall was windowless to prevent additional cooling during the cold seasons. Over the centuries, Lidingö Church has undergone several expansions and renovations, reflecting the evolving needs and artistic tastes of its congregation.

Ebba Grip's Contribution

Ebba Grip played a significant role in the church life of Lidingö. At the time, northern Lidingö was part of Täby parish, while the southern part belonged to Solna parish. However, in 1653, Queen Christina decreed that Danderyd, including Lidingö, would form its own parish, with Lidingö as an annex. Ebba Grip believed that Lidingö Church deserved its own resident priest and donated the Grönsta estate as a parsonage, a role it continues to serve today.

Her son, Svante Svantesson Banér, inherited the patronage of the new parish, giving him and his descendants the right to appoint the parish priest. This tradition continued with his son, Johan Gabriel Banér, who, despite spending much of his life abroad, remained involved in the church's affairs through correspondence.

Architectural Evolution

Lidingö Church has seen numerous modifications over the centuries. The oldest parts of the building are the southern and northern walls. In 1756, the church was extended westward by six meters, adding a gallery and modifying the chancel wall to include three windows. The northern wall received windows in the 1870s, and in 1913, the chancel was reconstructed, creating the triumphal arch seen today.

The sacristy, built in 1867 with a three-sided termination, has been remodeled multiple times, most recently in 1972 following a fire in 1969. The church tower, made of white-painted wood, was donated in 1817 by Lars Fresk, a local industrialist, in conjunction with the wedding of his friend Samuel Owen at Lidingö Church.

Interior and Artifacts

The church's interior is as rich in history as its exterior. The baptismal font, dating from the 1770s, features a gilded wooden angel holding a baptismal bowl. Interestingly, the angel has two right hands, a unique detail that adds to the font's charm. The pulpit, crafted in the Gustavian style in 1779 by Stockholm sculptor Per Ljung, replaced the original 1623 pulpit, which was deemed outdated and unsafe.

The altar and altarpiece, donated during the 1756 renovation, are in the Rococo style. The altarpiece is an oil painting of Jesus on the cross, surrounded by gilded and painted ornaments. Three oil paintings with biblical themes, donated in the 19th century, hang beneath the gallery. The church benches date from a 1952 restoration, replacing earlier versions from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Organ

Lidingö Church's musical heritage is embodied in its organ. The current organ, built in 1985 by Åkerman & Lund Orgelbyggeri AB, features 23 stops and a mechanical action. It replaced earlier organs, including one built in 1834 by Pehr Zacharias Strand and another in 1912 by C R Löfvander. The organ's new façade and gallery barrier, designed by architect Ulf Oldaeus, were also added in 1985.

Special Gifts to the Church

Over the years, Lidingö Church has received numerous significant gifts. The church tower, donated by Lars Fresk in 1817, remains a prominent feature. The iron poor box at the church entrance, given by Karl Petter Lindbom in 1823, and a unique sundial on a stone pedestal, donated by Lindbom in 1835, are notable artifacts. A communion chalice inscribed with St. Anna Capell på Lidingön was gifted by Johan Gabriel Banér in 1702, and a 17th-century silver jug was bequeathed by Jan Betulin in 1759.

In conclusion, Lidingö Church is not just a place of worship but a repository of the island's rich history and cultural evolution. Its walls, artifacts, and architectural features tell stories of devotion, community, and continuity, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the historical tapestry of Lidingö.