In August 1932, 46 residents of Árnafjørður sent a petition to the Faroese Parliament (Løgting), requesting support for the construction of a new church. The journey to the existing church in Klaksvík was both long and difficult, and a local church was becoming essential.
The church council requested architectural plans and a cost estimate beforehand to ensure proper approval. Consequently, the residents contacted H.C.W. Tórgarð, a master builder from Tórshavn, to draw up the required documents.
The builders planned to construct the church with concrete on the outside and to finish it with a wooden interior. They designed it to seat 100 people, plus additional space for the loft and choir.
In September 1933, the church council approved the plan, and the people of Árnafjørður began preliminary work, including digging and collecting building materials. However, due to limited funds, they had to wait for financial support from parliament before construction could proceed.
At that time, Árnafjørður had only 90 residents, so the community therefore modified the original design to seat 80 people, reducing the number of pews accordingly.
In October 1934, construction officially began under the leadership of Óli Hans Biskupstø, a paid foreman. In addition, many locals contributed labour and materials. The construction team completed the church structure by November 1936, although Zacharias Jacobsen, a carpenter, and Óli Arge, a stonemason from Tórshavn, inspected the church in October 1937 to give final approval.
Church leaders consecrated the building on October 10, 1937, during a large ceremony. The ship Smyril brought around 50 guests from Tórshavn. A procession led by the Faroese Provost, the Governor, priests, MPs, and other prominent figures moved toward the new church.
Provost J. Dahl delivered the sermon, thus marking the completion of a project that reflected the dedication and unity of a small but determined community.
Today, the church serves the parish of Árnafjørður, and as a result, it stands as a lasting symbol of faith, resilience and community spirit in the Northern Isles. Locals know it as Árnafjarðar kirkja.
(Source: J. P. Gregoriussen, “Nýggjaru Kirkjurnar”; Fólkakirkjan)
Árnafjarðar kirkja belongs to its own parish (Egin kirkjusókn). The kirkjuráð is chaired by Marjun Lómaklett, with the office located at Prestvegur 7, 700 Klaksvík.
For more information, visit the official Fólkakirkjan page.
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