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Ölmstad Church facts for kids

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Ölmstad Church
Ölmstads kyrka
Ölmstads kyrka.JPG
Ölmstad Church in May 2012
Location Ölmstad
Country Sweden
Denomination Church of Sweden
Administration
Parish Skärstad-Ölmstad
Diocese Växjö

Ölmstad Church (which is Ölmstads kyrka in Swedish) is a very old church. It is located in Ölmstad, a place in Jönköping County, Sweden. This church is part of the Church of Sweden and belongs to the Skärstad-Ölmstad parish in the Diocese of Växjö.

The Long History of Ölmstad Church

Ölmstad Church is believed to have been built way back in the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! Imagine all the history it has seen.

Challenges and Changes Over Time

During the 1400s, the church faced a big challenge when it was burned. But people worked hard to fix it. When they repaired it, they added the choir and a sacristy. A sacristy is a special room where priests get ready and church items are stored.

In 1568, Danish soldiers attacked the church. This happened during a war called the Northern Seven Years' War. The soldiers, led by Daniel Rantzau, took things from the church. After this, the church had to be restored again.

Later, in 1729, a new tower was built on the west side of the church. This tower replaced an older bell tower that was there before.

Special Items Inside the Church

The church has some really old and interesting items.

  • The baptismal font is made of red sandstone. It's from the 12th century, just like the church itself! It was likely made by a skilled stone carver known as Bestiarius.
  • There's also a triumphal cross from the 15th century. This is a large cross often found above the entrance to the choir in old churches.
  • The pulpit, where sermons are given, was made in 1649. It was crafted by a master builder named Päder Knutzsson.

The Church Organs

The organ you see in the church today was built in 1885. It was made by a company called Åkerman & Lund Orgelbyggeri. Before this one, there were other organs. One was made in 1680 by Georg Hum, and another in 1774 by Jonas Wistenius.

Recent Renovations

In the year 2000, Ölmstad Church got a big makeover. It was refurbished both inside and outside, making sure it stays in good condition for many more years.

Gallery

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