Marvel at Herstedvester Church. Its history whispers from the very stones. This unassuming village church stands before you a testament to centuries of faith and artistry. Herstedvester Church like many Danish village churches was built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Notice the two porches. They originally served as separate entrances for men and women. Today one houses a sacristy and the priest’s office.
Imagine the vibrant colors that once adorned Herstedvester Church. The church was originally decorated with frescoes both in the chancel and the nave. These were uncovered during restorations in the late 19th century. Sadly they were later overpainted. Fortunately some watercolors of the frescoes made during that restoration survive at the National Museum. They reveal 15th-century artwork of remarkable quality. The chancel depicted the Passion of Christ. The nave showed a tale of the philosopher Aristotle.
Herstedvester Church’s altarpiece from 1885 is a copy of Anton Dorph’s painting “Christ and the Disciples at Emmaus”. The original hangs in the Emmaus Church. The altarpiece conceals an apse with a small round window. This originally symbolized Christ the light illuminating the altar a detail typical of Romanesque churches.
The altar itself is High Renaissance style dating from 1592. Its original decoration and inscriptions are well-preserved. They tell of the church’s priest at the time. Interestingly Aristotle appears again. His four cardinal virtues are represented: Justice (scales and sword) Wisdom (serpent) Fortitude (broken column) and Temperance (jug and goblet). Faith Hope and Charity are also present symbolized by a cross and book an anchor and bird and children. Many biblical quotes adorn the altar though some are inaccurate.
The Romanesque granite baptismal font is as old as the church itself. The baptismal bowl however is from South Germany circa 1550. Originally the font stood in the church’s central axis. It was the first thing you saw entering. For practical reasons it was moved over the years finally ending opposite the pulpit in 1916. The bowl shows the Annunciation the archangel Gabriel telling the Virgin Mary she would bear Jesus. It also depicts deer being hunted by dogs.
The pulpit is Baroque style from about 1650. The soundboard’s top piece bears the names of Frederick III and his queen Sophie Amalie. A gilded dove representing the Holy Spirit further adorns it. The pulpit’s arched panels contain statuettes of the Evangelists with their symbols. The inscription from Luke 11:28 “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” is newer than the pulpit itself.
The church pews may come from the same workshop as the altar. Inscriptions on two of the end panels name the two church wardens from 1583. The two highest stalls have hinged seats that could be lowered. They were used to receive contributions to the priest’s and sexton’s salaries.
Herstedvester Church’s current organ was inaugurated in 2005. The old organ dating from 1864 by Daniel Köhne was small only four voices limiting musical possibilities. It now resides in the crypt of Esajas Church. The new organ by P G Andersen has 19 voices used in services and concerts.
By the church door stands the old poor box from 1643. Helping parishioners in need has always been part of the church’s work. Today new brass boxes are used. The church’s bells ring out. One cast by Hellerung & Hauberg in 1890 is a replacement of an earlier bell. The other a genuine Borchart Gelgeter bell from 1608 has a beautiful tone somewhat muffled by closed shutters. Both bells now ring together. Herstedvester Church a timeless beacon of faith stands proudly. It awaits you.