Medieval Swedish Churches, Part II

Hylletofta Kyrka

Shortly after we entered the Hylletofta Kyrka, we were joined by the early-arriving guests for the wedding soon to take place. We felt a bit (a lot, really) underdressed, but still took our time looking at the interior before removing ourselves from the premises. An ironclad door stored near the entrance to the church includes a crow that has become the symbol of the church. One story tells us that the crow’s feet were bound together and then released. Where it landed would be the site of the new church. Modern scholars believe the bird represents ravens who brought the bread of life in communion to Elia during a time of drought in Palestine. Also of interest is the 12th century christening font. Originally, there were no windows on the north side of the chancel which represented evil. The lone window originally on the south side is now bricked over. The brochure suggests that today it is a resting place for angel’s as they gather new strength at the altar.

Like the other medieval churches, Hylletofta Kyrka has been changed and restored over the centuries. It was enlarged at least twice adding a new entrance and a vestry. In the 18th century, the old campanile was torn down and replaced by a steeple. At the same time the nave was extended by 7 meters and the triumphal arch widened. Larger windows were added and old wall paintings covered with limewash. In 1832 a crypt in front of the altar was found to be in disrepair. These were uncovered during another restoration in 1956. Since the family was not interested in preserving the grave new flooring was put in over it. The most recent restoration took place in 2010 when the exterior was finished with a new coat of plaster.

Wall carving of St. George in Hylletofta Kyrka

Next on our agenda was the church at North Lunga. The campanile has been in place since at least the early 17th century. It has been rebuilt at least three times since 1899. An electric ringing system was installed in the 1930s requiring a stronger tower to contain the two bells. The final renovation in 1955-57 removed a hood added in 1899 that gave the tower a rather strange look for a medieval building. This old church has some of the most recent major decorative items because a 1977 fire that destroyed old paintings by Pehr Hörberg on the breast of the gallery, the pulpit, and the bench doors. Pontus Ljungberg, a local artist, painted the replacements.The church was re-consecrated in 1979.

North Lunga

North Lunga Baptismal Font

From North Lunga we moved on to Nävelsjö Kyrka. Built in the 12th century, one of the beams has been dated to 1181-82. The christening font, also from the 12th century, standing in the original apse has a motif typical of the time. The sides are carved in a swarm of beasts, demons, and angels but the beasts are kept from the edge of the font unable to touch the holy water by the angels proving that while evil is always present, God is always strong enough to protect us. Because stone masons often carved their own name into their work, we know this one was carved by Bestiarius, a name that literally means “wild animals master”.

Nävelsjö Kyrka

Nävelsjö Kyrka Altar

The 1669 pulpit shows the four evangelists. The organ was built in 1937 by Olof Hammarberg using the same facade as the previous organ built by Johannes Magnusson in 1852. The 1682 clock tower originally had an open skirt-like appearance. It was clad at the beginning of the 20th century. A 1992 renovation adorned the tower with a cockerel, a symbol of vigilance.

Näsby Kyrka

Unfortunately, our last church of the day, Näsby Kyrka, was closed so we were unable to see the interior including three magnificent coats of arms and the beautiful ceiling and altar paintings dating to the 1740s. Situated beautifully overlooking Lake Flögen, the size of the church was influenced by the fact that it is in the parish of the county seat. An open air cross graces the front lawn.

Each church has a panel like this one.
Unfortunately, this was just a tease at Näsby Kyrka

By this time it was nearly 4:00 so we headed back to the hotel having completed a fascinating day learning more about Swedish churches from medieval times.