An open church
The church shall be open to all who wish to enjoy the church's stillness and peace, or to take part in worship services. An open church is also an image of the open folk church (folkkyrka). The church is a room for everyone and wishes to give us the opportunity for reflection and to encounter faith in the God who loves without distinction. The church is part of our cultural heritage. Through this heritage we are given a key to Western culture and its worldview.
History
The first church in Frölunda was built at some point in the 13th century and was the centre of the parish for many hundreds of years. The only thing remaining from that time is the churchyard and a gravestone marking the spot where the church once stood.
Over the course of time, the parish has been subjected to acts of war and pillaging. The church often had to be restored after conflicts in the area.
In the early and mid-1800s, the church was in poor condition and far too small. The population was growing and church attendance was high. It was therefore decided in 1860 to build a new church, sketched by the architect A. Edelsvärd. The architect J.A. Westerberg later produced complete drawings for the church building.
The new church was built about 2 km to the west on Toftaåsen. It was completed and inaugurated (invigd) in 1866. At that time, the richly sculpted altarpiece from the old church was brought along. Some other furnishings were sold or disappeared.
Four allegorical images from the old church were found during the 20th century in a barn in Askim and could be brought to the church, where they now adorn the front of the gallery. The images bear the following designations: Caritas (love), Mansuetudo (gentleness), Religio (religion) and Veritas (truth). The gallery railing is also adorned with figures who have meant much to the church's hymn and praise singing: the two biblical figures David and Saul, as well as Martin Luther, Olaus Petri, Jesper Svedberg, Haqvin Spegel, Johan Olof Wallin, Frans Mikael Franzén, Nathan Söderblom and J.A Eklund.
The organ was built in 1954 by Hammarbergs Orgelbyggeri and contains 41 stops. The chancel organ from 1965 has four stops and was also built by Hammarberg.
If you would like to know more, there is a church guide in Swedish and English inside the church.