Hallgrímskirkja

The Hallgrímskirkja [ c ʰ ˌ hatl̥krims ɪr̥ca ] ( Isl Hallgrimskirkja ) is a Lutheran parish church of the Icelandic State Church in the capital Reykjavík, the largest church building of Iceland and the second tallest building in the country after the Smáratorg Tower. The church is the sixth- largest structure in the country.

History

The planning work for the Hallgrímskirkja began in 1929, construction 1945. The crypt, which is located under the choir could be ordained in 1948. The tower was completed in 1974. In 1986 the nave was completed. 60 percent of the construction costs were raised through donations.

The church was named after the Icelandic hymn - poet Hallgrímur Pétursson ( 1614-1674 ).

Architecture

The building was designed by the government architect Guðjón Samúelsson ( 1887-1950 ). His design he laid in 1937. In outward appearance is dominated by the expressionist style, similar to the Grundtvig in Copenhagen, which was completed in 1940. What is striking is the similarity of the concrete pillars, lined up in large numbers around the Tower of Hallgrímskirkja, with basalt columns, a common motif of the Icelandic landscape. The white color is a reminder of the glaciers.

The interior of the church is opposed designed as a conventional, five-aisled basilica with Gothic features, such as cross-ribbed vault and pointed arch windows. The outer aisles of the basilica confront the wide nave largely alleviated. The very bright interior of the church is achieved through the extensive waiver of stained glass windows and behind the main altar one can see, unusually, by additional windows sky and clouds.

Urban design aspect

The Hallgrímskirkja was placed on a hill in the city, which would appear even greater its 74.5 meter high tower. It shapes as the entire cityscape of Reykjavik.

Front of the church and in its center axis is a statue of Leif Eriksson, who was given in 1930 to the 1000 anniversary of the Althing Iceland from the United States.

Functions

Despite their dominance in the cityscape Hallgrímskirkja is not the cathedral church of the city. This function takes the relatively small cathedral ( Domkirkjan ) true to the 18th century in the city center.

In 1929 it was planned to use the church tower at the same time as a transmission tower for broadcasting. It can be navigated with the help of a lift today. From the observation platform - just below the belfry - offers a broad view over Reykjavik and its surroundings. The tower carries three large bells and a carillon with 29 bells.

Organ

In December 1992, the large concert organ in the church was inaugurated, built by Johannes Klais organ building in Bonn. It has a mechanical game table with four manuals and pedal work, 72 registers and 5275 pipes. The organ is about 15 meters high and weighs 25 tons. It is by far the largest organ in Iceland and is used in addition to their task at Mass for concerts. A second console was installed in the nave in 1997. The project was financed inter alia by whistling foundations. The visible organ pipes of the impressive prospectus, the front will be dominated by the lateral pedal pipes with about 10 meters in length. In parallel to the solid organ building pews were installed. A part of the seating is flexible, so that the conversion is possible at concerts that require a larger cast or orchestra. The organist of the church is Áskelsson since 1982 Hörður.

• Couplers: I / II, III / II, IV / II, IV / III, III / I, Super III, sub III / II, I / P, II / P III / P IV / P.
• Accessories:
• Simbalsstjarna A ( Zimbelstern ).
• Simbalsstjarna B ( Zimbelstern ).
• Næturgali

Community

The church has about 7,000 members and has two pastors. Of these, one is the dean of the Reykjavik -West. The parish council has seven members.