Pentecostal church marks 100 years with songs and gratitude

The Pentecostal Church in Vestmannaeyjar celebrated its centenary with music, worship and community, with gratitude the main feeling after the weekend, mbl.is reported.

“We have really been celebrating the anniversary throughout the year,” said Guðni Hjálmarsson, the church’s director.

The congregation dates its history to 19 February 1926, when the first baptism by immersion was held in the newly consecrated meetinghouse on Faxastígur. The building was named Betel, a name that also became associated with the congregation.

The anniversary programme included visits from missionary groups, including one that held an event for children, a group from Tennessee and missionary couple from Denmark. A large group from the church also travelled to the Faroe Islands in the spring, renewing a friendship that had lasted for decades.

The main celebration took place over the weekend. An album featuring members of the congregation and its friends was released for the occasion. The programme began with hymns and continued for more than six hours on Saturday with singing, worship, prayers, sermons, interviews and stories from the congregation’s 100-year history. Guests included local residents and people from mainland Iceland.

“It was especially enjoyable to see how many people stayed with us for almost the entire programme. The refreshments also went down well,” Guðni said.

Sunday’s service included worship, a children’s choir and a sermon. A couple were also baptised by immersion.

“It was a powerful and beautiful moment, especially when we think about how the first baptism 100 years ago marked the beginning of this story,” Guðni said.

Former directors Steingrímur Á. Jónsson and Þóranna M. Sigurbergsdóttir were honoured for their contribution.

Guðni said the centenary was an important milestone but also an opportunity to look ahead. “The work will continue to focus on preaching the gospel, caring for people, and preserving and encouraging the community of those who follow Jesus,” he said.

Helgi Rasmussen Tórzhamar, the recording director and producer of the album Hymns with You, said gratitude was also foremost in his thoughts after the celebration.

“Countless hands worked together to make the weekend as beautiful and memorable as it became. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Without you, this would not have become a reality,” Helgi said.

He also thanked the musicians, singers and everyone involved in recording, producing and releasing the album, as well as its sponsors.