Selfoss Church Marks 70 Years with Palm Sunday Service

2026-03-30 - 10:52

A special service was held in Selfoss Church yesterday, on Palm Sunday, to mark the building’s 70th anniversary. As reported by RÚV, the event brought together clergy, parishioners and local residents from across the region. What's the Story? 70th anniversary marked at Selfoss Church with Palm Sunday service led by the Bishop of Iceland Church consecrated in 1956; construction took place between 1952 and 1956 Local farmer presented twelve eggs to the Bishop during the celebration Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir. Photo: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir Anniversary celebrations held The service was led by Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir, who reflected on the church’s role in the community. “If the church were a person, it would be retiring, but we age differently in the context of church history, so the church is just getting started,” she said. Constructed between 1952 and 1956, the church was consecrated on March 25, 1956, by Bishop Ásmundur Guðmundsson. It was designed by Bjarni Pálsson, with Guðmundur Sveinsson serving as master builder. The parish’s first priest was Rev. Sigurður Pálsson. The church choir is also marking its 80th anniversary this year. During the celebration, a local farmer presented the Bishop with twelve eggs from Icelandic settlement hens, a gesture noted by attendees. Parish priest Guðbjörg Arnardóttir said the occasion had drawn strong participation. “This has been a wonderful day, my heart is full of joy and gratitude. This is a great age, the church has retired but not stopped,” she said. She added that attendance at church activities has increased in recent months. Further coverage of community events can be found via Iceland Review.