Hamar Cathedral
Hamar Cathedral (Hamar domkirke) is the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Hamar, part of the Lutheran Church of Norway.[1]
| Hamar Cathedral | |
|---|---|
Hamar domkirke | |
 | |
  Hamar Cathedral  Hamar Cathedral | |
| Location | Hamar, Innlandet |
| Country | Norway |
| Denomination | Church of Norway |
| Churchmanship | Evangelical Lutheran |
| Website | Website of the Cathedral |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Consecrated | 15 December 1866 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Cathedral church |
| Architect(s) | Heinrich Ernst Schirmer |
| Completed | 1849 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Hamar |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Solveig Fiske |
| Dean | Leif Jørn Hvidsten |
| Pastor(s) | Per Erik Stave Engdal |
| Deaconess(es) | Siv Leirvik-Engevik |
| Laity | |
| Organist(s) | Nicholas Anthony Elliott |
History
The church was erected as a result of Hamar achieving city status in 1849 and re-emerging as an independent diocese two years later. Noting the rapid growth of the population and the need for a diocese to cover areas of eastern Norway, the Church of Norway established the seat of the newly formed diocese of Norway in Hamar in 1864. The architect of the cathedral was Heinrich Ernst Schirmer; the local general contractor was Herman Frang. The cathedral was consecrated for services on 15 December 1866. The exterior was built in simple, nearly austere German Romanesque style and is largely unchanged since its construction.[2]
In the 1920s, several changes were made to the interior. In 1950, bishop Kristian Schjelderup called for a significant internal renovation. Arnstein Arneberg was commissioned as architect: his design called for the interior to be almost completely gutted. All that remains from the earlier set-up are the supporting structure for the organ loft, the baptismal font and two silver candlestick holders. The new interior was opened on 9 May 1954.[3]
Architecture
The interior is characterized by an elevated nave, inspired by the basilica structure. The windows are decorated with fabric-like paintings, possibly based on medieval tapestries.
The central feature is the altar, which is possibly the most unusual feature of the cathedral. Henrik Sørensen's depiction of the resurrected Jesus Christ was inspired by a Nordic archetype. On the side panels Sørensen depicted the anxious mother and Hans Nielsen Hauge's awakening.
The ceiling was painted by Arve Hagen. The pulpit and the bar in front of the sanctuary were carved by Anthon Røvik. The pulpit includes a depiction of Francis of Assisi.[4]
See also
References
- Hamar domkirke. – Kirke i Hamar kommune (Store norske leksikon)
- Hamar bispedømme - Historikk (Hamar bispedømme) Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine
- "Arkitektur og historie i Hamar: Hamar domkirke" (in Norwegian). arc! Architectural History of Norway. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
- "Velkommen til Hamar domkirke" (in Norwegian). Diocese of Hamar. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
