The Liverpool International Nordic Community Cultural and Social Centre
Gustaf Adolfs Kyrka in Park Lane Liverpool
The connection between the Port of Liverpool, trade with the Baltic regions and Scandinavian seamen is deeply etched into Liverpool’s economic and cultural history. When you walk up Park Lane from the bustling shops of Liverpool One, you can’t fail to notice on your right an imposing Neo-Gothic brick building. Gustaf Adolf’s Kyrka, was completed in 1884 specifically as a place of worship and sanctuary initially for Scandinavian seamen and later extended to the thousands of emigrants from Scandinavian countries on their way to the ‘New World’. Before that, ministers had to visit boarding houses, or hop from ship to ship to provide worship and spiritual sustenance.
This much-loved and cherished building, so long part of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, remains today as the heart of the Nordic Community in and beyond Merseyside.
Liverpool international Nordic Community Charity Company (LiNC)
Today, the building has a more varied range of activities than was the case as recently as 10 years ago, when it became the home of LiNC. The charity has a modern wide set of objectives to meet the needs of anyone connected to, or interested in, Nordic cultural and social activities.
On certain days of the week, there is a buzz of activity — coffee mornings, knitting and crafts, language classes, music gigs, film club, cultural events, and, for a small charge, guests can stay overnight. Everyone speaks English of course. But you will also hear Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish languages spoken, and on festive occasions like Jul (Christmas), Midsommar, Lucia (Festival of Light) and on Nordic National Days, you will also see a sprinkling of colourful national costumes.
Gustaf Adolf Nordic Congregation Company (GANC)
After the departure of the Church of Sweden in 2008, the building was renamed the Nordic Church. Members of the congregation have set up the Gustaf Adolf Nordic Congregation Company and have joined the Lutheran Church in Great Britain. Through the Porvoo agreement, the Lutheran church is now affiliated with the Anglican Church in Great Britain. The congregation holds regular acts of worship. Everyone is welcome to join the congregation. Just click on Church Services to view the programme. Occupying the top floor of the building, the church, with blue painted pews and soft lighting, has a distinct maritime feel and is an oasis of perfect calm.
Managed by LiNC, everyone is welcome to attend events at the Nordic Church. Why not find out what is on and join us?
Under the tabs you will find membership forms for LiNC, the Congregation Company and more information on our activities.
Liverpool international Nordic Community Charity Company Ltd is a registered charity company.
(Registration 8351592 and charity registration 1152041)
LiNC Operations Company Ltd (Registration 8748865)
Gustaf Adolf Nordic Congregation Company (Registration 7034654)
Head offices: Gustaf Adolf Church, 138 Park Lane, Liverpool L1 8HG.