Sankt Lukas Kirke

Why did Frederiksberg need a new church at the end of the 19th century? Sankt Lukas Kirke stands as a testament to the burgeoning population of Frederiksberg. The original Frederiksberg Church struggled to serve the nearly 60,000 parishioners. A temporary church, the Bedesalen, offered some relief in 1892. But a more permanent solution was needed. Sankt Lukas Kirke became that solution. It was the first of three new churches planned to divide the overcrowded Frederiksberg parish. On April 26, 1896, construction began on Sankt Lukas Kirke, led by architect Valdemar Koch. Just over a year later, on May 29, 1897, the church opened its doors. Koch, known for his Neo-Romanesque style, left his mark on several Copenhagen churches. Sankt Lukas Kirke reflects this style with its red brick walls, granite base, and decorative bands. The reliefs and sculptures, crafted by Thomas Bærentzen, add a touch of light-colored contrast. A delicate flèche crowns the western end. Inside Sankt Lukas Kirke, a barrel-vaulted ceiling stretches overhead. The interior decoration is a blend of Koch’s designs, including his signature “paradise flowers,” and works by other artists. Joakim Skovgaard’s annunciation scene graces the entrance doors. A relief by Bærentzen, “The Suffering Mankind,” hangs poignantly within. Above the windows, angels painted by Carl Budtz Møller flutter against the walls, accompanied by verses from the Gospel of Luke. The church’s altarpiece, painted by Frans Schwartz, depicts Christ revealing himself to his disciples. The altar table is a reconstruction from 1984. A crucifix in bog oak, crafted by Johannes Kragh, stands to the right of the altarpiece. The granite baptismal font is an original piece designed by Koch himself. Sankt Lukas Kirke remains an active parish church within the Church of Denmark. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the community’s growth and its enduring faith.