Brimilsvallakirkja

History & Background

Brimilsvallakirkja's history is a fascinating reflection of community resilience and faith in West Iceland. The church, consecrated on October 28th, 1923, was not the first in the broader area, as a church previously stood at Fróðá. However, the relocation of the Fróðá church to Ólafsvík sparked considerable disputes, leading to a significant division of the Fróðá parish in 1915. For several years following this split, the 140 members of the new Brimilsvellir parish held their services in a local community hall, patiently awaiting the construction of their own dedicated place of worship. The construction of Brimilsvallakirkja marked a new chapter for the community, providing them with a permanent spiritual home. Its distinctive architecture, featuring a vibrant red roof and a white steeple, quickly became a beloved local landmark. The church is also a repository of local art, featuring an altar painting created by Guðmundur Einarsson frá Miðdal, a renowned Icelandic artist. Furthermore, the church's exquisite textiles, including the chasuble (hökull), stoles, the cloth adorning the pulpit, and the altar trim, were all meticulously crafted by Sigrún Jónsdóttur, adding to its cultural and historical value. Brimilsvallakirkja stands today not only as a place of worship but also as a monument to the determination and artistic talent within the Icelandic community.

Practical Information