Hjo church
Hjo Church is located in the middle of the village, in Hjo parish on the western shore of Lake Vättern and is over 200 years old. The Hjo parish consists of four congregations and encompasses Hjo municipality. Within the parish, there are eight different church buildings with various origins and styles. These include Södra Fågelås Church, Norra Fågelås Church, Fridene Church, Korsberga Church, Mofalla Church, Grevbäck Church, Svärtans Chapel, and Hjo Church.
About Hjo Church
Fire in Hjo 1794 On April 3, 1794, the central parts of Hjo were hit by a fierce fire. The fire destroyed the old medieval church, the bell tower, and around ten residential houses. The old stone church had been expanded with a wooden nave in the 15th century and the bell tower at the end of the 16th century. The church was in very poor condition when it burned down to the ground.
Church Bells The three church bells melted from the heat, but remnants were collected and re-cast to create the current small bell. It bears the inscription 'Recovered from the ashes after the fire on April 3, 1794, and cast in Skara by N. Billsten under the administration of Mayor Veidman.'
Offering Chest There is also an offering chest remaining from the old church. Today, it is kept in the church's southern porch, along with the cemetery's oldest tombstone. A replica stands in its place outside the main entrance of the church facing west. Mayor Veidman's grave is also located here.
The New Church Construction of the new church began in 1796 but wasn't inaugurated until the early 1800s. In 1858, an organ was installed, replaced in 1911 by the current organ built by E Zetterqvist & Son, Örebro. During a major renovation in 1900-1901, the flat Romanesque tower was replaced by the tall spire we see today. Some donations made during this renovation are still present in the church.
During the major internal and external renovation in 1978, the church received its current warm and bright color scheme. Also, during this renovation and re-consecration, the church received donations; the altar cloth, vestments, collection bags, etc., made by Agda Österberg, Tre Bäckar.
In 2010, the church underwent exterior painting, followed by interior painting the following year. The baptismal font was restored to its original color scheme. The southern porch is now used for simple church gatherings after Sunday service, and the sacristy has been moved to make space for Sunday school activities during service time.
Contact - Caretaker Hjo Church
Caretaker Michael Haavik, 0703 131 604
Hjo Pastorat - Svenska kyrkan i Hjo
Regeringsgatan 12
544 30 Hjo
Phone: +46 0503 323 80
E-mail: Send e-mail
Website: svenskakyrkan.se/hjo
