Stefanskyrkan

Did you know there’s a church nicknamed “Siberia”? Right here in Vasastaden stands Stefanskyrkan, once serving the forgotten outskirts of Stockholm known as “Siberia” due to its perceived remoteness. Stefanskyrkan began its life humbly in 1899 as a simple wooden chapel. Built by the Society for Promoting Religious Soul Care, this small structure stood at the corner of Frejgatan and Tulegatan. It offered solace to the less fortunate residents of this burgeoning area. The official inauguration took place on Ascension Day in 1900, named St. Stephen’s Chapel. However, with a mere three-year lease on the land, plans for a permanent structure quickly emerged. Architect Carl Möller, who also designed St. Johannes kyrka, envisioned a grander space. In 1901, he drafted the blueprints for the Stefanskyrkan we see today. By 1904, the new Stefanskyrkan was complete. The original wooden chapel was dismantled and relocated to Aspudden. There it was rechristened as Sankt Sigfrids kyrka and today enjoys the status of a protected building. Stefanskyrkan itself is a two-aisled marvel, with the chancel positioned to the north. Constructed from light Närke sandstone, the church boasts a distinctive Victorian style with hints of Art Nouveau. Look closely at the south gable. You’ll see a striking stone crucifix crafted by the renowned sculptor Carl Eldh. Inside Stefanskyrkan, the whitewashed walls and wooden floors create an atmosphere of serene contemplation. The open timber roof beams, intricately carved, draw the eye upwards. Einar Forseth’s ten paintings, adorning the triptych altarpiece, are a must-see. The central panel vividly depicts the Resurrection, while other panels narrate Christ’s Passion and Ascension. This altarpiece was added during a renovation in 1926 led by Isak Gustaf Clason. Prior to that, a crucifix, likely designed by Carl Eldh, served as the main adornment. Interestingly, the church once featured a large north window. It was filled in during the 1926 renovation. Over the years, Stefanskyrkan has undergone several transformations. In 1959, the current pews were installed, along with partitions creating a vestibule. The church also received new windows by sculptor Bengt Inge Lundkvist and striking chandeliers by artist Knut Hallgren. Most recently, in 2003, extensive restoration work addressed moisture damage caused by earlier use of plastic paint. The offending paint was removed, replaced by breathable lime paint. The current organ, a mechanical marvel, was built in 1960 by Åkerman & Lund, replacing the original 1926 instrument. Recently, a new digital organ with 359 keys, pedals, and stops was installed, further enriching the church’s musical capabilities.