Oddernes Church (Oddernes Kirke)

We visited an historic site in Kristiansand today: Oddernes Kirke. A runestone which was originally in the cemetery reads that the site has been central to the community as far back as the time of Saint Olav Den Hellige! Discoveries in burial mounds in the area bear witness that the settlement dates back to 400 A.D. 

In 1630 the Church was extended to prepare for a visit by Christian IV in 1635. In 1699, the present Church Bell Tower was built. It holds three bells and the oldest is from the 13th century. (We've heard the bells peal several times and it's a beautiful sound, by the way.)

There is a Baroque altar and some amazing painted works along the ceiling and woodwork through the church. It is considered one of the oldest churches in this part of the country and is very popular for weddings and special occasions.  I love the sense of history in all the details. It really is a lovely church and well-worth seeing if you're ever in the Kristiansand area.

Oddernes Kirke in Kristiansand at Sunset

And in the Sunshine

Candles against the painted ceiling with blue sky and clouds

Sunlight pouring through the aged glass by the altar

Beautiful silver chandelier in front of amazing pipe organ

 Runestone carved with Viking script declaring the God-son of Olav the Holy

used his inheritance to build this church in 1040 A.D.

Standing in front of the preacher's pulpit: Ann Elisabeth, Vivien and Me

Paintings along the front of the choir loft depicting the Saints

and also virtues. This one is for JUSTICE

True story: I had my heart set on seeing the inside of this church because I'd heard it was spectacular. We tried going there the evening before and it was locked so we went this afternoon in hopes of seeing inside. It was locked again  so we decided to stroll through the graveyard and check things out. A young guy popped up and I caught sight of him just as he was going through the back door of the church. Ann Elisabeth bravely chased him down and asked if we could see inside. Not only was he happy to let us in but he knew a lot about the church and gave us a private tour. Isn't the Lord sweet to answer the desires of our hearts?

What a wonderful Father You are!