Gnarp Church

Gnarp Church has Saint Erik as its patron saint—a figure whose memory has long been preserved in the area. The parish hall also bears the name *S:t Eriksgården* (Saint Erik’s House).

**Sacristy Paintings**
The sacristy was built of wood in 1761, and its interior was painted by Paul Hallberg. The paintings are executed in *grisaille*—that is, using only shades of gray. All four walls are painted, depicting scenes from the earthly life of Jesus. The sequence begins with the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, followed by the Nativity, the Baptism of Jesus, Jesus in Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension.

**The Altar**
The altarpiece was originally crafted for the old church in 1756 by the carpenter Eckstein of Stockholm and painted by the artist Gottman. The altar itself and the communion rail were added when the new church was built in 1787. In 1802, the sculptor Jonas Edler reworked the altarpiece, adding the altar cross—featuring the burial shroud, lance, and crown of thorns—as well as the female figure holding an anchor.

**The Triumphal Crucifix**
The triumphal crucifix mounted above the sacristy door dates back to the 16th century and the original medieval church; it was likely produced in the workshop of Haaken Gulleson. The original chancel is no longer extant; the current one in the church was constructed in 1950.

**The Pulpits**
The current pulpit was crafted in 1802 by the sculptor Jonas Edler. Designed by B. Westman, it is executed in the Neoclassical style. The front bears the inscription "Light and perfection through Jesus Christ," which is believed to have been added at a later date.
The old pulpit from 1705 has been preserved and is located in the church porch. It was crafted by a woodcarver from Tuna. Originally, it featured images of the four Evangelists, but only their names remain today.

The Pews
The pews in Gnarp Church date back to 1788. They are of the enclosed type, featuring pew doors. Numbers on the doors indicated to the congregation which row they were to sit in. Only a few churches in Hälsingland have preserved this type of pew. The choir pews have also been preserved in Gnarp Church.

Parish office in Harmånger. Backvägen 1B.
Tel: 0652-74 73 00.