Question: What if these walls could talk? The walls of Kungsholms baptistkyrka have witnessed over a century of faith and community.
Kungsholms baptistkyrka stands proudly on Bergsgatan. It is south of Kronobergsparken on Kungsholmen. This church building serves the Kungsholms Baptistförsamling. The congregation is part of the Equmeniakyrkan denomination.
Let’s dive into the history. The congregation formed in 1885. It was initially known as Sällskapet Kungsholms Baptistförsamling. Back then, it was Stockholm’s sixth Baptist congregation. C.E. Westerberg was its first leader.
A group called Sällskapet Hopp och Framgång also started in 1885. Its goal was to raise money for a dedicated preaching space for the congregation. In 1897, this group merged with Sällskapet Kungsholms Baptistförsamling.
Kungsholms baptistkyrka had an outpost on Stora Essingen from 1913. From 1923 to 1970, it took the form of Essingekapellet or Allianskapellet. Today, that chapel at Flottbrovägen 5 is called S:t Mikaels och Alla Änglars kyrka. It serves as the cathedral for the Liberal Catholic Church. The Kungsholms baptistkyrka also had a summer home and scout hut in Judarskogen for many years.
Kungsholms baptistkyrka has collaborated with other congregations. Iglesia Betania was one such partner until 2008. Tomaskyrkan was another from 2009 to 2012. Since 2009, Kungsholms baptistkyrka has been working with New Life. Since 2012, New Life runs the Fridhemskyrkan congregation in the building.
After years of meeting in different locations, the Kungsholms baptistkyrka building was inaugurated in 1904. Erik Boström was the architect. P A Granat was the builder. In the 1960s, Erik Boström’s grandson Örjan Lüning oversaw renovations and additions. These included a youth room, cloakroom, and a stage in the small hall. Julia Lüning created the glass mosaic in the church’s background.
For many years, Kungsholms baptistkyrka was called Betaniakyrkan or just Betania. Kungsholms baptistkyrka is its official name now. New Life/Fridhemskyrkan took over the church property in 2016.
Kungsholms baptistkyrka has a rich pastoral history. Harald Waxberg served from 1889 to 1890. Karl Lundgren followed from 1890 to 1892. Erik Bergström led from 1892 to 1901. Carl Gustaf Lundin was pastor from 1902 to 1919. Berndt Sörenson served from 1920 to 1945. Herbert Brander took over from 1945 to 1950. Egron Gussander was pastor from 1951 to 1965. Sture Tjäder led from 1965 to 1972. Haddon Lantz served from 1972 to 1974. Backa Birger Eriksson was pastor from 1974 to 1984. Wimar Hansson followed from 1984 to 1990. Sven Ohm led from 1990 to 1995. Owe Kennerberg served from 1995 to 2000. Karin Jansson was pastor from 2001 to 2003. Inga-Lena Fredrixon served from 2005 to 2006. Birgit Karlsson has been pastor since 2006.
Kungsholms baptistkyrka stands as a testament to faith. It is a symbol of community. Its doors are open. It continues to evolve. It welcomes all.