Imagine standing before a building of brown brick. This is Hammarbykyrkan. It is more than just a church. It is a place with a fascinating past and a vibrant present.
Hammarbykyrkan stands in Hammarbyhöjden in southern Stockholm. It is an EFS church. That means it is associated with the Evangeliska Fosterlandsstiftelsen. The church was inaugurated in 1969. But its story begins long before that.
Let’s journey back to 1867. A church called Blasieholmskyrkan was built. Gustaf Emanuel Beskow founded it. This church was sold and torn down in 1964. The money was put into a fund. This fund was used to build Hammarbykyrkan. As you enter Hammarbykyrkan, notice the medal honoring Beskow. He was the founder of Blasieholmskyrkan.
The current Hammarbykyrkan building was constructed between 1967 and 1970. Erik Lindgren was the architect. The building is made of concrete with brown brick facades. The church hall is on the second floor. Large windows stretch from floor to ceiling on one side. The ceiling is covered with wood veneer panels. The floor is covered with brownish-red brick.
In 1979-1982 an extension was added. Olof Eskils designed it. This addition includes parish rooms and study spaces. There is also an office and archives. You will also find storage, an exercise room, and changing rooms.
Inside Hammarbykyrkan, the pulpit is made of varnished wood. A low brick wall surrounds it. Matilda Sundberg made the pulpit cloth. It features a dove. The altar is a thick pine slab. It rests on a brick foundation. To the left of the altar stands a tall wooden cross. The baptismal font is made of pine with a hammered brass bowl.
Gustaf Jansson made a candlestick in 1993. The pews are made of pine with cushions. The chairs have saddle girth seats.
Hammarbykyrkan was once a collaboration between EFS and Skarpnäck parish. But the parish ended the agreement on July 1, 2013. Since then, EFS runs the church. They do it on a non-profit basis. Since 2012, about 150 Christian Iranians have gathered here.
Hammarbykyrkan is a place of activity. There are activities for all ages. These include toddler song sessions and youth groups. Confirmation classes and Sunday school are held here. There are choirs for children and adults. Pensioners enjoy activities too. Every Sunday, there is a service. It follows the order of the Church of Sweden.
Some say Hammarbykyrkan is an example of brutalist architecture. The stark design makes it unique. The church is open on weekdays. People appreciate its welcoming atmosphere.
Hammarbykyrkan continues to be a vital part of the community. Its doors are open to all. It is a place where faith and fellowship thrive.