Old Åkra Church

About

Old Åkra Church (Norwegian: Åkra gamle kirke) is a historic parish church of the Church of Norway in Karmøy Municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is located in the town of Åkrehamn located on the western coast of the island of Karmøy. It formerly was the main church for the Åkra parish which is part of the Karmøy prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Stavanger. The white, wooden church was built in a long church design in 1820 using designs by an unknown architect. The church seats about 320 people.

The earliest existing historical records of the church date back to the year 1301, but the church was likely built during the 12th century. Around 1600, the old medieval stave church was heavily renovated and rebuilt. In 1674, the church was described as being dilapidated, so major repairs were again carried out. In June 1820, the old church was torn down and a new building was constructed on the same site. On 5 November 1820, the church held its first worship service, just five months after the old one was demolished. It was formally consecrated on 29 July 1821. In 1852, the nave was extended to the west. In 1899, a sacristy was built on the east end. Shortly after the...