The Årdal gamle kirke (Årdal old church) is located east of the Nordskår farm. The son-in-law of Ole Olson Søndenå and Mari Iversdatter Nordskår, Lars Pederson Valheim (Americanized to Vallem) was laid to rest at
this wooden church which dates back to 1619, one year before the Pilgrims landed at Provincetown, Massachusetts.
This map provides perspective where Lars was born, the church location and the residence of Rachel Olsdatter (Finnestad) Vallem.
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| Nordskår, Årdal and Valheim |
Very few grave markers exist today as shown by the exterior photos.
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| Entrance |
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| Side yard and rear of the church |
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| View from rear of church |
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| View from rear of church |
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| Side view |
Interior shots of the church.
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| View from the entrance |
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| Ceiling and wall panels |
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| Rear portion of the church |
The stained glass window depicts the Danish flag and a sailor holding a stein of beer. Unusual religious symbolism but very unique. Denmark ruled Norway at the time the church was built which explains the use of the their flag in the stained glass.
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| Stained glass window |
Here, a ceiling panel depicts the sun.
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| Ceiling panel |
More artwork.
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| Wall at the rear of the church |
A stove.
Pews for wealthy farmers had their names on the door to the pew.
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| Pew door |
This is NOT the church that the family of Ole Olson Søndenå and Mari Iversdatter Nordskår attended. Their parish was Hjelmeland/Fister. In any event, if ever in the area, it is well worth a visit for the historical value and rarity of a wooden church still standing today from 1619.
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