Skene kyrka

As Skene's textile industry expanded in the early twentieth century, the growing population outstripped the capacity of the parish church at Örby, on the other side of the Viskan river. A new church was therefore built for the town itself, designed by the architect Sigfrid Ericson and constructed between 1919 and 1922. It was consecrated on 22 September 1922 by Bishop E.H. Rodhe.

The building forms part of a trio of churches sharing the same architectural language, the other two being Nissaströms kyrka and Kinnarumma kyrka, built somewhat later. Skene kyrka has a nave and tower whose form deliberately evokes a rebuilt medieval church, drawing on natural materials and stylistic influences from earlier centuries, particularly the eighteenth. The rendered masonry walls are whitewashed, and the roof is covered in grey slate, with a richly detailed tower spire. Visitors enter through the tower on the long side of the building; inside, a central aisle runs between fixed pews towards a spacious chancel with the altar set against the east wall. A sacristy extends from the north side, with a stair leading up to the pulpit.

The painted ceiling is one of the church's most notable features, depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The paintings were carried out by Arvid Jorm and Nils Wedel, based on sketches by John Hedæus. Ericson himself designed the fixed fittings, including the pews, pulpit, altar rail, altar table, organ case, hymn-number boards and font.

The altarpiece has a more complicated history: although designs were approved in 1942, it was not actually made until 1944, when it was carved by the Gothenburg sculptor John Björk. A new font was added in 1968, and new church bells were installed and consecrated in 1972.

The church underwent a thorough interior restoration in 1976–1977, which included a new floor, new pews, a new wooden altar and altar rail. At the same time a new organ, built by Tostareds Kyrkorgelfabrik, was installed and inaugurated by the rural dean Erik Nordblom.