Motala Church

Motala Church, known locally as Motala kyrka, stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of Motala, Sweden. Nestled between Motala harbor and Stora torget, this church is not only a place of worship but also a historical gem that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. With its striking architecture and storied past, Motala Church is a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming town.

The Architectural Marvel

Motala Church is an architectural wonder that beautifully blends different styles. The church's exterior is dominated by Gustavian and Neo-Gothic influences, evident in its high, pointed western tower and the apse-like chancel to the east. The whitewashed facade, constructed from brick and granite, gives the church a pristine and timeless appearance. The main body of the church is covered by a saddle roof, while the chancel and sacristy boast hipped saddle roofs, all clad in copper sheeting that adds a touch of elegance.

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a single-nave hall church with a barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling. The interior exudes a sense of tranquility and reverence, with its clean lines and minimalist design. The chancel, separated by a masonry arch, features a wall-mounted altar and an altarpiece painted by Directeur Falk from the previous church. The northern wall of the nave houses a pulpit with a sound canopy, crafted by the Nyström brothers, August and Johan Robert. On the southern wall, you'll find a two-manual choir organ built by Åkerman & Lund, adding to the church's musical heritage. The western end of the church is home to the organ gallery, originally designed by organ builder Pehr Schiörlin and later reconstructed by architect Kurt von Schmalensee in 1902.

A Journey Through History

The history of Motala Church is as fascinating as its architecture. The name Motala translates to meeting place by the sanctuary, a fitting description given the church's central location in the town. The current church stands on the site of an older stone church dating back to the first half of the 13th century. This earlier church was much smaller, with a width of only 6.6 meters and a length of nearly 20 meters. Traces of medieval form tiles suggest that the old church had vaults, likely with two bays in the nave and one in the chancel.

Significant changes occurred in the 17th century. In 1618, the church received a new pulpit. During the 1670s, Colonel Claes Kugelhielm, the commandant of Varberg Fortress, funded and built a new chancel, which was consecrated in 1674. He also created a family grave in the chancel for himself and his two wives, Brita Stjärnfelt and Catharina Griis. The renowned antiquarian and artist Elias Brenner visited Motala during this period and sketched the church as Kugelhielm's chancel was being constructed. Brenner's drawing reveals that the nave had a ridge turret and that the old lower chancel still existed between the nave and the new high chancel.

In 1681, Colonel Hieronymus Lindeberg built a family grave on the southern side of the church, known as the Lindenäs Church. The grave was located below the church's floor level, while the space above was used to expand the church. In 1689, a new bell tower replaced the old one, and a new large bell was acquired. The materials for the bell were collected by gathering old bronze and brass vessels from the parish, including some precious church items. In 1724, a new baroque-style altarpiece was added to the church.

The 18th century saw the church becoming increasingly cramped due to the growing population. In 1737, there were plans to expand the church with transepts, but disagreements led to the project's abandonment. However, the sacristy was enlarged. By the mid-18th century, topographer Carl Fredric Broocman noted that the church was still too small and dark due to the low galleries blocking natural light.

In 1761, the decision was made to build a new church, and construction began in 1771. Despite some setbacks, including the lack of an approved design from the cathedral chapter, the new church was largely completed by 1774. It featured large windows and a wooden barrel vault but lacked a tower. The pulpit from 1618 and the altarpiece from 1724 were moved to the new church. In 1800, a pipe organ by Pehr Schiörlin was installed, and in 1844, a tower designed by architect Carl-Gustaf Blom-Carlsson was added, featuring simple yet Neo-Gothic details.

Restorations and Renovations

Over the years, Motala Church has undergone several restorations and renovations. In 1902, architect Agi Lindegren led a major renovation, adding Renaissance-style coffers to the barrel vault, altering the organ gallery, and making other changes. From 1952 to 1953, another significant restoration took place under the guidance of architect Kurt von Schmalensee. This restoration aimed to restore some of Lindegren's changes to their original state. The altarpiece from the old church was reinstated in the chancel, and Schiörlin's organ facade was reconstructed. The church benches were also renovated in an 18th-century style, and a new sacristy was added, featuring a gathering room, silver chamber, and vestment room. The copper roofing was renewed, and the tower was given a more elegant design, raising its height by 17 meters.

Intriguing Artifacts and Features

Motala Church is home to several noteworthy artifacts and features. The baroque-style altarpiece from 1724, painted by Directeur Falk in 1778, depicts Christ on the cross with the apostles John and Mary at the base, flanked by sculptures of the apostles Luke and John. The pulpit, crafted in 1851 by the Nyström brothers, and an oil painting from 1856 by Johan Zacharias Blackstadius, depicting the resurrection of Christ, are among the church's treasured items. The baptismal font, made of Kolmården marble and designed by architect Kurt von Schmalensee, was inaugurated in 1965. The church also boasts several beautiful stained glass windows, including one by artist Robert Rabolt in Munich and another by glass artist Professor Fritz Geiges, depicting Joseph and Mary with the infant Jesus.

Motala Church is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, a visit to Motala Church is sure to be a rewarding experience.