Congregation and community back Hafnarfjörður hall renovation

Work is under way to restore the congregation hall of the Free Church in Hafnarfjörður, with the project relying on support from church members and the wider community, Morgunblaðið reports.

The building at Linnetsstígur 6 was built in 1920 and has belonged to the congregation since 1996. It houses the pastors’ offices and meeting spaces used by people involved in church activities and others.

The exterior, including the roof, is being renewed, and the interior has also been renovated. New steel beams have been installed to strengthen the floors, a new entrance is being built and an elevator has been ordered to connect the floors.

Pastor Einar Eyjólfsson said the building was once covered with corrugated iron, then rendered to resemble a stone building and later clad with fibre-cement panels. The cladding has now been removed and replaced with corrugated aluminium. He said the new exterior appeared to fit well with central Hafnarfjörður.

Funding is still needed to complete the work. The congregation has appealed to its members, who have responded positively, and plans to approach local businesses. The Free Church women’s association is donating the elevator, fittings and other items for a new kitchen. The congregation’s brotherhood association is also contributing.

The Free Church was consecrated in 1913 and is a prominent feature of Hafnarfjörður. Its building has also been used for scenes in Icelandic films and television programmes. More than 8,000 people belong to the congregation, and nearly 300 young people take part in its confirmation programme. Eyjólfsson has served the congregation for 42 years.