Bishops in Varnhem

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Jesper Svedberg bishop 1702-1735

Jesper Swedberg was the bishop of the Diocese of Skara from 1702 until his death in 1735. He is undoubtedly one of the foremost figures of the Carolingian era. In addition to being a prominent bishop for 33 years, he was a hymnologist and lexicographer. In 1694, he published his hymn book proposal, which was, however, withdrawn. One of his most famous hymns is "Herre signe Du och råde – Lord, Bless and Rule". Swedberg was married three times and one of his sons was the famous Emanuel Swedenborg. During his time in Skara, he published more than 30 books on various subjects. One of his foremost works, Swensk Ordabok, he did not live to see published. It was printed and published only in 2009. His final book was America Illuminata, which describes the Swedish colony and congregation around Delaware. Swedberg was "the bishop of Skara and America". He was also bishop over London and Lisbon. Swedberg died in 1735 and was buried in January 1736 in Varnhem in a burial chapel on the north side of the church.

Engelbert Halenius bishop 1753-1767

"He had a fiery, lively and penetrating intellect, a good memory and an unusual ease in speaking and writing with strength and clarity." (from the clerical memoir) Engelbert Halenius (1700-1767) originally came from Söderala in Gävleborg County. He studied in Uppsala and then worked in Uppland before being elected bishop of Skara in 1753. During his time in Uppsala, Halenius devoted himself to Oriental languages and was considered a learned and astute theologian. During his time as bishop, he was an advocate for the introduction of confirmation, but politically he had the greatest significance in parliamentary politics. There he belonged to the Hat Party and supported, among others, Axel von Fersen. He is buried in his own chapel on the south side of Varnhem Abbey Church.

Thure Weidman bishop 1789-1828

Thure Weidman (1744-1828) was born in Gladsax in Österlen. At the age of twelve, he was enrolled as a student at Lund University and at the age of sixteen, he achieved his doctorate. Eventually, he came to Uppsala, where he socialised with Linnaeus. In 1773, he became a professor in Lund in Oriental and Greek languages. In 1778, he was ordained and after being elected bishop of Skara, he was the diocesan head for nearly forty years. As a Gustavian church politician, he participated in the parliaments. He also preached there, for example at the coronation parliament in Norrköping in the year 1800. He was also awarded the Order of the Polar Star.

He passed away in 1828 at Brunsbo and was buried beside his wife in Varnhem.

Sven Lundblad bishop 1875-1894

Sven Lundblad (1776-1837) was born at Bernstorp just west of Skara, where his father was a crofter. He attended school in Skara and, among other things, supported himself as a singer in Skara Cathedral. Thereafter followed studies in Uppsala and ordination. Eventually, he was appointed as the Dean of Uppsala and the first professor of theology. In Skara, he served as bishop for eight years. He was influenced by Swedenborgianism in contrast to the emerging revivalist piety. At the parliament in 1834, he was struck by cholera and never regained his health. He passed away at Brunsbo in 1837 and was buried in Varnhem.