Dedicated to service. Stefanskirken stands as a testament to faith and community spirit. Let’s delve into the story of this beautiful church.
Stefanskirken is a Church of Denmark parish church. It is located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen. Built in 1874, it is the second oldest church in the district. Ludvig Knudsen designed it.
Back in 1861, St. John’s Church was the first in Nørrebro. The new St. John’s Parish was large. It included Nørrebro and Østerbro. It stretched to Hellerup and Brønshøj. Pastor Rudolph Frimodt wanted more churches.
In 1872, Frimodt organized a meeting. It was at Store Ravnsborg. The goal? A new church in outer Nørrebro. He raised 34000 Danish rigsdaler. He secured 6000 rigsdaler for a rectory. Plus 10000 rigsdaler for the future pastor’s salary. Baron Løvenskjold donated land. His garden corner became the site.
The church was named after Saint Stephen. He was a deacon. He aided the poor. This choice reflected the difficult conditions in outer Nørrebro.
Ludvig Knudsen became the architect. The foundation stone was laid on June 18, 1873. Stefanskirken was consecrated on December 26, 1874. The first pastors were Peter Volf and Ivar Dall.
Stefanskirken’s parish grew fast. In 1877, 800 children were born there. By 1889, it was 1405. From 1890 to 1912, five new parishes split off from St. Stephen’s.
The church is built of red brick. It measures 35 meters long and 14 meters wide. The tower reaches 31 meters high. It has an apsis, chancel, and long nave. The tower is at the western end. Wooden galleries flank the nave. They are supported by wooden pillars.
Johannes Kragh created 20 new church windows in 1934. It was for the church’s 50th anniversary. Each window shows a figure. They hold a glory. It awaits the one who follows.
The altarpiece was painted by Anton Dorph. It depicts Jesus visiting Martha and Maria. Two sisters from Blågårds were models. Dorph painted 71 altarpieces for Danish churches. Six feature Martha and Maria. The oldest is in Tyrstrup Church. This one is second oldest.
The pulpit dates back to 1874. It originally had four paintings. They represented Faith, Hope, Love, and Justice. Johan N. Schrøder renovated it for the church’s 25th anniversary. He added a fifth painting. It showed Jesus with the lamb. In 1984, the pulpit was lowered. It was moved closer to the chancel.
The font is made of marble. It came from Greenland.
The organ was built in 1983 by Carsten Lund. He designed an unorthodox instrument. It has 25 stops over 3 manuals and pedals. The organ includes special effects. It imitates a nightingale. It also has bass drum, chimes, and cymbal.
In 1882, Skifter Andersen gifted a votive ship. It was named St. Stefan. It was placed in the nave. Helmsmen installed the masts and rigging. The hull was a model. It was for the ship Heinrich Augusta.
Stefanskirken stands as a symbol. It is a testament to community. It embodies faith. Its history echoes through the streets of Nørrebro. A beacon of hope. A place of gathering. Stefanskirken continues to serve.