The Church of Kirkja – A Century of Resilience and Faith
The Church of Kirkja has a moving and dramatic history. In 1818, tragedy struck when the village’s only boat, carrying all able-bodied men, was lost south of Kirkja. All the men perished, except for the farmer of Mittún. However, both he and his wife died a few years later from typhoid fever, which was another devastating blow to the small community.
Shortly afterward, the governor decided to move the church to Hattarvík, stating that “there is no man left who can be entrusted with the responsibility for the church.” This decision left Kirkja without a church for the next 100 years, deepening the community’s loss and isolation. For a century, the people of Kirkja had to travel to Hattarvík to attend church services.
As the centenary of the church’s relocation approached, the idea to build a new church in Kirkja took shape. The community support was overwhelming, and residents worked together to make the vision a reality.
Work began with the excavation of the foundation, breaking stone and laying walls, while carpenters prepared the large wooden structures. Thanks to this united effort, the construction progressed incredibly quickly from start to finish.
The foundation work was led by Petur Pauli Poulsen, while Jóannis Kristensen í Mittúni oversaw the carpentry. Much of the work was voluntary, reflecting the village’s strong sense of purpose.
The church’s design came from Louis Zachariassen, who was born and raised in Kirkja. He based the design on traditional Faroese wooden churches, and he donated the blueprints as a gift to the congregation. As a result, the church embodies both heritage and personal devotion.
It was a momentous day for the congregation when the new church was completed and consecrated on May 28, 1933. The ceremony was led by Dean Jákup Dahl, joined by several other priests, marking a powerful moment of spiritual renewal for the community.
Today, the church remains an important symbol of faith, resilience and identity for the people of Kirkja. It is also known by its Faroese name, Kirkjan á Kirkju.
(Source: J. P. Gregoriussen, “Nýggjaru Kirkjurnar”; Fólkakirkjan)
Kirkjan á Kirkju serves the village of Kirkja and remains an active parish church.
For more information, visit the official Fólkakirkjan page for Kirkjan á Kirkju.
1°C
