Photos: Kristin Schyllner
The church's history
After the devastating Russian ravages on the Uppland coast where, among other things, Lövstabruk was completely destroyed, Charles de Geer the elder looked for a new place to build an iron mill. But he met opposition to his plans, including from the owners of Västland and Strömsberg mill, Hans Olofsson Ström. It was not until the spring of 1729 that production could start in the mill, which was named after its founder – Carlholm.
The de Geer family were known to care for the pastoral care of their subordinates and it was not surprising that they employed a preacher and built a chapel for the working population. The mill actually belonged to the Västland parish and after a few years of various provisionals, in 1735 a preacher appointed by de Geer, namely magister Olof Deckberg, took office. Where Deckberg held his services is not known for sure. His period of service was not that long either, as he already left his post for Hållnäs parish in July 1736. In his place, master Anders Oldberg was now employed, who remained faithful to the mill for no less than 52 years.
Karlholm's church was completed in 1737, which is evident from several entries in the utility books. The church was then located about ten meters northeast of the office building. Those who participated in the church building were the carpenters Philström and André Martinelle, the blacksmith Tegelberg, glass master Lang, the painter Pierre Boiwie and the valley man Matts Jönsson and his companions. In 1739, a belfry was erected, which was also used for church purposes.
A spacious residence was built for the preacher at the corner of Sör- and Norrgatan, and to this house belonged a larger spice farm, a barn with stables, a pig house and more. In addition, he owned the Lämpersbo homestead about half a mile west of the mill on his own behalf. Otherwise, he received an annual fixed salary of 600 dalers annually until his death in 1788. His wife Anna Lena Holmberg, born in 1718 and died in 1807, received 200 dalers in pension after her husband's death.
In 1895 the chapel was moved to its current location.