Síðumúlakirkja

Background

History & Background

Síðumúlakirkja holds a long and storied past within the Reykholt parish of Borgarfjarðarprófastsdæmi. The site of Síðumúli has been a farm and a church location in the lower Hvítársíða valley for centuries. In its Catholic tradition, Síðumúlakirkja was dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Maríu guðsmóður) and Bishop Þorlák. For many centuries, it served as an out-church, dependent on the larger parish of Gilsbakki. The current church, a charming white structure, was consecrated on Christmas Day, December 25, 1926, by Bishop Jón Helgason. It was built by Auðunn Sigurðsson from Akranes, with Andrés Eyjólfsson, the last church warden, being instrumental in its construction. Eyjólfsson personally erected this church to replace a former turf church that stood on the same spot, a common and ancient building style in Iceland. On the day of its consecration, he generously handed over the church to the congregation for their ownership and care. Today, Síðumúlakirkja continues its legacy. While its exterior is a striking example of early 20th-century Icelandic rural church architecture with its corrugated iron and distinctive roof, its interior is noted for a cross-shaped granite baptismal font on a marble pedestal by Jóhannes Eyfells. Furthermore, relics from older churches, such as ancient rood fragments, a stone image of the Virgin Mary, and Barbara images from carved altarpieces from older churches in Reykholt and Síðumúli, are now preserved at the National Museum of Iceland, highlighting the deep historical roots of this sacred place.

Nestled in the tranquil Hvítársíða valley of West Iceland, Síðumúlakirkja is more than just a place of worship; it's a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Icelandic history and culture. The current church, consecrated on Christmas Day in 1926 by Bishop Jón Helgason, replaced an earlier turf church, offering a fascinating architectural evolution. Its distinctive white corrugated iron exterior, a practical and enduring building material in Iceland, contrasts beautifully with the reddish-brown roof and elegant spire topped with a cross and a unique decorative element. A prominent black cross adorns the front facade, beneath an arched window, inviting contemplation. Surrounded by lush green fields, framed by a simple white fence and the distant, rolling hills, some capped with snow, the setting of Síðumúlakirkja is quintessentially Icelandic – rugged yet serene. This peaceful location, once dedicated in Catholic times to the Virgin Mary and Bishop Þorlák, has been a church site for centuries, first as an out-church from Gilsbakki. Inside, though not explicitly visible in the image, the church is known to house a granite baptismal font by Jóhannes Eyfells and preserves ancient artifacts from older churches, including images of the Virgin Mary and St. Barbara, now at the National Museum. A visit here offers a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to appreciate the resilience of faith, and the unique charm of rural Icelandic architecture. The simple white gate leading to the grounds, adorned with a subtle cross motif, welcomes all to this historic and picturesque site.