Dreams of a churchyard rose in Hareskovby long before Hareskov Kirke stood here. Imagine farmers once grazed their cattle where we now stand. This land near Hareskov was once just open fields. Around 1900, a small town began to emerge.
The opening of the Slangerup Line brought city dwellers. Some became year-round residents. A village slowly formed but the parish church in Kirke Værløse was far away. After Hareskov School opened in 1918, residents wanted their own church. Ten years passed before Hareskov Kirke became a reality.
From 1918 to 1928 much effort went into making the Hareskov Kirke a reality. People gave money and held bazaars. A church committee formed. Finally, August 18 1929 arrived. Hareskov Kirke was consecrated with great celebration. The people of Hareskovby now had their own church. They also gained a cemetery.
As years passed Hareskovby grew. The Hareskov Kirke became too small. Meetings for all ages needed space. Pensioners and young people alike required more room.
In 1973, the church bought a private house located between the church and rectory. This provided space for church activities. The house named “Huset” is on Skandrups Allé 34. It was later expanded.
With time, the Hareskov Kirke needed modernization. A major renovation and expansion took place in 1976 to 1977. Rudolph Gram was the architect.
The Hareskov Kirke gained a new chancel. Artist Holmer Trier created glass mosaics for the chancel’s three tall windows. These windows served as the altarpiece. A new pastor’s office and sexton’s room were added. The nave became larger and brighter. During the renovation, services were held in the community center. Hareskov Kirke was rededicated on April 17 1977.
Later, a new chapel opened. The cemetery gained a new building. It housed a cemetery office, tool room, and meeting facilities.
In 1989, an architectural competition addressed the church’s space problems. ARKITEKTERNE won the competition. They designed the expansion. The original church was extended. It kept the original architectural style. The brickwork featured a different decorative pattern. The new design was loyal to the existing structure but also offered contrast.
The extension included a new vestibule. It provided a bridal room, wardrobe, toilet, and a room for the children’s choir. The heating and ventilation systems were updated. A few more rows of pews were added to the nave. Access to the church improved. Construction began in June 1992. Bishop Johannes Johansen rededicated the Hareskov Kirke on May 30 1993.
The church organ was built by Th. Frobenius and Sons in 1970. It has two manuals and a pedal. The organ has mechanical action and eleven stops.
Former parish council chairman Sven Lund and his wife donated the baptismal font. Sculptor Johannes Hansen created it in terracotta.
Artist Gunnar Hansen created the terracotta relief. It is on one long side of the nave.
The Hareskov Kirke has four chasubles. Artist Bodil Kaalund designed a violet, a red, and a white chasuble. Adi Holzer designed a green chasuble.
The church bells were cast in 1928.
In the cemetery is a sculpture of a young kneeling girl. It marks Hareskov Kirke’s 50th anniversary in 1979. Johannes Hansen created the sculpture.
Niels Helledie created the stone crucifix. It stands in the square in front of the church door.
The history of Hareskov Kirke truly began on August 24 1948. Farmer Laurits W. Olsen donated land for a community center. The land was sold in 1966. The 60000 kr went towards a future church.
In 2029 we will celebrate 100 years of Hareskov Kirke. Take a moment to appreciate the journey. The journey from open fields to a vibrant community landmark.