The new Miðgarðakirkja was consecrated there yesterday, built through a united community effort. The older church burned to the ground four years ago, and the rebuilding has not been without challenges.
A new church was consecrated on the island of Grímsey yesterday. Local residents say the help they received in the reconstruction can never be fully repaid.
The church bears the same name as the previous one, Miðgarðakirkja, but the former fell victim to fire in September 2021.
The bells are a gift from Hallgríms Parish in Reykjavíkurprófastsdæmi vestra (Western Reykjavik Deanery) and supporters.
The new bells were cast at Royal Eijsbouts in Asten, the Netherlands – the same bell foundry that cast the bells of Hallgrímskirkja. Inscribed on them are the words: “Sounding from the Arctic Circle”.
The consecration began with the blessing of the church bells. Bishop Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir consecrated the church. She says that when a church burns it is a great loss for the community, as people have their most treasured moments there.
The feeling is unique to be here in Miðgarðakirkja today. It is not every day that a church is consecrated in Iceland, and this is the northernmost church in the country.
All of it has been funded by donations from individuals and companies, as well as contributions from travellers who supported the project.
Alfreð Garðarsson, chair of the parish committee, says many people have taken part in the rebuilding of the church and that he will be forever grateful.
Many people we do not know at all have supported us with both large and small amounts. Companies, associations, the small churches around us, and incredible goodwill. It can never be fully repaid.
Source: Ruv.is
