Overwhelmed by the city’s rhythm? Folkungakyrkan offers solace. This building stands on Folkungagatan 90 in Södermalm. It has a story that weaves through Stockholm’s history.
Folkungakyrkan wasn’t always called that. It started as Salemkapellet. Later it was known as Salemkyrkan. In 2013, it received its current name Folkungakyrkan. This happened when Elimkyrkan took over the building. Elimkyrkan has ties to the Evangeliska Frikyrkan.
Let’s rewind to the late 1870s. Anders Wiberg had just returned from England. Inspired, he sought support to construct this building. Johan August Westerberg designed it. Construction took place from 1877 to 1878. Salemkapellet opened its doors on January 5, 1879.
Imagine logs floating on Klara sjö. These logs formed the church’s two stories. The exterior then received a revetment. Notice the staircase leading to three arched entrances. Above, five groups of three arched windows grace the upper level. Small cupolas adorn the corners. They flank the low fronton facing Folkungagatan.
Inside Folkungakyrkan, the church hall could hold 778 people. This included the galleries surrounding three sides. The wall behind the altar features an apse. A radiant gilded cross and a dove decorate it. The upper floor held a gathering room for 120 individuals.
Around 1900, the congregation ran a Sunday school. It had up to 1,000 children. The current lighting, pews and paint date back to a 1939 renovation. In 1954, the name changed to Salemkyrkan.
In the 1990s, Salemkyrkan and Ebeneserkyrkan merged. They formed Södermalms Baptistförsamling. This joint congregation dissolved in 2011.
The property was sold to Elimkyrkan. After renovations, Elimkyrkan moved here on May 18, 2014. It came from its previous location on Östermalm. This transition marked the renaming to Folkungakyrkan. Today, Folkungakyrkan belongs to the Evangeliska frikyrkan.
Consider Folkungakyrkan’s role today. It is not only a place of worship. It is also a venue for the Stockholm Jazz Festival. The church hall offers light and inviting space. It has great acoustics.
Folkungakyrkan has witnessed many changes. From Salemkapellet to its current form, it remains a community hub. Its walls echo with prayers, music, and stories. As you stand here, remember the layers of history within these walls. It welcomes all who seek peace or wish to explore their faith.