It stands as both the oldest building and church[2] in Karlskoga, predating Villa Ekeliden in age.

[3] On July 1, 1586, Charles IX of Sweden issued a letter for the first priest elected, Olaus Gestricius – also Olavus Johannis, Olof Hansson and «herr Olaf på Möckelnsbodar»[4] – (by the late 1500s[5]) where he addressed the need for a church by Lake Möckeln.

It lacked pews, and the attendees had to stand upright during church service.

[6][7] The need for a church building is partly explained by a period of population growth in nearby areas due to a booming mining industry and Forest Finns settling the area.

[12] Kristina Lovisa von Hofsten (née Geijer), also known as "Stornåda"[13] donated a grandfather clock to the church in the 1700s.