Stoense Church
In Stoense on the northern part of Langeland lies this fine church, which started out as an annex to Snøde Church.
Stoense Church is one of the few churches in the country with a tower facing east.
The church is open during the gravedigger's working hours, but is also a nice sight from the outside.
History of the church
It is believed that the church was originally built in the Middle Ages, but it was extended to the west and vaulted in 1600. With the remodelling came the tower, built on top of the choir, which is quite unusual. Another unusual thing is that it is not known for sure who built this tower. The year 1600 and the initials NH and HH are written on the east side of the tower, but it is not known exactly who these initials belong to. At the end of the 18th century, another extension was made, this time to the north. You can still see various traces of the older characteristics of the church, such as the remains of the bricked-up north door inside and traces of arched windows on the walls. The church has a carefully carved and beautiful altarpiece with a skilfully carved communion scene. All twelve disciples and Jesus in the centre can be seen, each with individual and distinctive features. The church also contains a beautiful carved pulpit from around 1635 depicting the story of Christ.
In 1956, the church underwent a major modernisation where several of the church's features were repaired and replaced. After a fire in 2012, Stoense Church was closed for 2 years, but was restored and reopened in 2014. The bloody story of the church tower in Stoense There is no consensus on who the initials NH and HH written on the east side of the tower belong to. An account by town scribe Peder Rasmussen from 1849 offers an explanation. It is a dramatic tale of intrigue, lost love, brothers in conflict and ultimately the raising of the church tower in 1600.
Glass mosaic
In 2005, visual artist Maja Lisa Engelhardt created two contrasting stained glass windows for Stoense Church. As in other works by the artist, she has managed to create tension between light and dark, wildness and calm. The artworks were donated by the New Carlsberg Foundation.
Art exhibition and music
The church hosts an annual art exhibition. Several local artists have participated, but there are also artists from outside the island. Since 1977, Steensgård Manor has organised classical concerts in the church with international artists, the forerunner of the current Steensgård Open Air.
Source: Churches on Langeland, Langelands Museum & Nordlangelands Lokalarkiv.