Målilla-Gårdveda church
In 1800, the two parishes Målilla and Gårdveda formed a joint parish. This after a bishop's visit in 1768 when both Målilla and Gårdveda wooden churches were sentenced due to their "habitable estate". As these two churches were only 1/4 mile apart, it was decided within the parishes to build a common church in Målilla. The church was built between 1820-1822.
The old churches were demolished and where Gårdveda church once stood, there is today a chapel and a memorial cross.
The consecration of the new church did not take place until May 16, 1824, and was performed by Bishop Marcus Wallenberg.
In the church there is an organ by Sven Nordström. It is considered one of Sweden's largest organ treasures. The congregation saved for 24 years to pay for the purchase of the organ.
In the cemetery there is a tombstone over Hans Drake af Hagelsrum (d.1653) governor and governor of Narva and his wife Helena Snakenborg, born Bååt (1590-1660).
In the church there are funeral weapons after i.a. Gustaf Drake of Hagelsrum (1634-84). He carried out piracy on the Baltic Sea during the years 1657-62 and is the model for Viktor Rydberg's "The Free Breaker on the Baltic Sea".
