How often do you find a church that embodies modern functionality? Breviks kyrka is such a place. This church is a notable example of early modern functionalism. Let’s delve into the story of this unique building right here in Brevik.
In 1906 Lidingö experienced a transformative period. Large farms like Brevik were divided and sold. Villa communities rapidly developed across the island. By 1920 the population surged from 1310 in 1900 to 9003. Lidingö became its own parish in 1907 after being an annex to Danderyd. The need for more worship spaces grew urgent due to overcrowding.
In 1918 Fastighetsbolaget Lidingö-Brevik donated land for a church in Brevik. However plans to expand Lidingö Church and economic difficulties delayed construction. From 1917 to 1937 services were held in Skärsätra School. Finally Midsummer Day in 1937 marked the grand opening of Breviks kyrka. Archbishop Erling Eidem officiated.
The earliest sketches for Breviks kyrka date back to 1921. Architect Lars Israel Wahlman created them. In 1924 Martin Hedmark and John Åkerlund presented separate chapel proposals. Åkerlund a local Lidingö resident refined his design. The final drawings were completed in 1936. The church features a spacious nave with a straight-ended chancel. On the south side a community hall is set at an angle. The bell tower is at the southwest corner. This placement allows for future expansion to the west.
South of the church a stone terrace offers space for outdoor services. In 1955 the community hall expanded to the south and east. The entire church was replastered. A major addition in 1970 included a new sacristy and vestry east of the church. An elevator and accessible entrances were also added. Lars Åkerlund also designed this addition. A waiting room was built at the northwest corner. Two wings with preschool facilities were added east of the church.
Breviks kyrka’s walls are brick with a thin plaster. The underlying brickwork remains visible. Tall arched windows have gray-painted frames. Copper sheets cover the roof. The tower’s superstructure is entirely clad in copper. A gilded cross crowns it. A granite relief by Carl Elmberg depicts the Good Samaritan. It is located on the east side of the community hall.
Inside light and space define the atmosphere. Antique glass in the tall windows evenly distributes light. The altar wall with its grand decoration draws attention. White-gray walls are adorned with paintings of the four evangelists. Ewy Palm created these in 1959. The nave has a ceiling and beams covered with stained pine plywood. Blue-glazed edges accent the beams. Architect John Åkerlund and other consultants worked without pay. Parishioners and church societies donated most of the furnishings.
John Åkerlund designed most of the original interior. Stained pine and plywood feature prominently. The large altar wall dominates the church. A three-part relief in stucco of lime mortar mixed with brick shards covers it. The side sections are slightly angled. The uneven surface is painted in al secco. Soft colors like gray green and reddish-brown dominate.
The central panel depicts the Crucifixion. Mary kneels at the cross. Watchmen shepherds a group of women and John gaze upward. In the lower right corner Mary Magdalene sits near the tomb entrance. She is wearing a green dress. The blue sky in the upper part is cracking. The left panel shows the Adoration of the Magi. Mary in blue holds the infant Jesus. The three kings kneel before her. Joseph and shepherds stand behind Mary. The right panel depicts Pentecost. Six disciples in colored robes kneel or reach toward the sky with flames. Simon Gate composed the altar relief. Carl Elmberg did the stucco work. Erik Jerkhe and Simon Gate painted it.
Breviks kyrka is the largest church on Lidingö. It accommodates over 200 people. Concerts baptisms and weddings all find a fitting setting here. If you are sensitive to fur take note. Pältsdyr are not allowed inside the church.