Whispers of history linger within these aged walls. Welcome to Lidingö kyrka. This is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to centuries of faith and resilience. Lidingö kyrka stands on a hill overlooking Kyrkviken. This oldest church in Lidingö parish was completed in 1623. It wasn’t built from scratch then. Old records show it was rebuilt that year. Its original size was considerably smaller just 13 by 8 meters. The north wall lacked windows. This was a clever way to keep the cold out during winter.
The church’s foundation goes even further back. It is believed to be built on the site of an earlier wooden chapel. This chapel was dedicated to Saint Anna. The stone church was initially called Sanctae Annae kapell. A communion chalice from 1702 in the church even bears the inscription “St Anna Capell på Lidingön”. This suggests the earlier chapel was constructed sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. The Franciscan order spread the Roman Catholic teachings then. Saint Anna was a central figure in their beliefs. This religious fervor reached its peak in the early 1500s. However Gustav Vasa’s reformation later supplanted the Catholic doctrines. The parish garden S:ta Annagården nearby is named after the church’s original dedication.
Ebba Grip a significant figure played an active role in Lidingö’s religious life. Northern Lidingö belonged to Täby parish while the southern part fell under Solna. Danderyd parish including Djursholm was annexed to Täby. A royal decree from Queen Kristina in 1653 made Danderyd and Lidingö their own parish and pastorate. There was no resident priest in Lidingö initially. Ebba Grip believed the church deserved its own priest. She donated the Grönsta farm estate by Grönstaviken as a residence. This remains the rectory for Lidingö parish. Before that farmers from Lidingö had the task of fetching the priest from Sticklinge for high mass in Lidingö kyrka. They rowed across from Djursholm. Then they provided horse transport back to Sticklinge.
Lidingö kyrka has been expanded and renovated many times. The oldest parts are the south and north long walls from 1623. In 1756 a 6-meter westward extension added the gallery. The chancel wall was remodeled with three light openings. The altarpiece a beautiful Rococo piece depicting Jesus on the cross was donated then. Windows were added to the north side in the 1870s. A 1913 renovation created the triumphal arch. Wall paintings from the 17th century were restored after being covered up in the 18th century. The Evangelist symbols on the chancel wall were added in 1913. The current organ boasts 23 stops. It was built by Åkerman & Lund Orgelbyggeri AB in 1985.
Throughout its history Lidingö kyrka has received many special gifts. The white painted wooden tower for the church bell was donated in 1817 by Lars Fresk. This coincided with the marriage of Fresk’s friend Samuel Owen and Beata Carolina Svedell. The church’s rich history palpable within its walls invites us to reflect upon the faith and perseverance of those who came before. Each stone each detail whispers stories of devotion resilience and the enduring spirit of Lidingö.