Hafnarfjarðarkirkja is one of the most important historical
landmarks in
Hafnarfjörður
and has played a central role in the town’s religious and cultural life for
more than a century. The church was consecrated on 20 December 1914, marking
a significant milestone in the development of the growing town.
Before Hafnarfjörður had its own church, local residents belonged to the
parish at
Garðar on Álftanes.
As Hafnarfjörður gained town status in 1908, momentum grew for the
construction of a dedicated church within the town itself. In fact, the idea
of building a church in the fjord had been discussed as early as the mid-19th
century, reflecting the community’s long-standing desire for its own place
of worship.
The architect
Rögnvaldur Ólafsson was commissioned to design the church, and
his plans were submitted in February 1909. According to the design, the
building was constructed of reinforced concrete and designed to seat around
500 people, which at the time represented roughly one third of the town’s
population. The chosen location was a prominent site near
Strandgata,
in land overseen by the local district commissioner.
Construction of the church foundations began in the autumn of 1913, and the
building was completed during Advent in 1914. The master builder was
Guðni Þorláksson, whose contribution to the project is
remembered with particular poignancy, as he passed away from pneumonia just
as the construction was completed. His coffin was brought into the church on
Þorláksmessa, shortly before the building’s consecration.
The church was consecrated by Bishop
Þórhallur Bjarnason on 20 December 1914. Today,
Hafnarfjarðarkirkja stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s history and
identity, closely connected to the development of
Hafnarfjörður
and its community. It remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark
in the heart of the town.
Kirkjan stendur við höfnina.