Grandma:

Several events were organized to raise funds for the church building, but six years later, it became clear that this would not be sufficient. Therefore, in the summer of 1908, the chapel committee applied to the municipality for a contribution of 100 kroner annually for five years. The municipal council must have found this amount too high, as when the proposal was brought forward, it was reduced to 50 kroner. However, it was halted when the vote ended in a tie, with six votes for and six against. The amount was then further reduced to 25 kroner per year for five years, but even this was not approved.

 

Child:
So the municipality didn’t contribute?

 

Grandma:
Oh yes, funds were provided, but only in the form of a loan. Twenty people, all residing in Fore, collectively borrowed 3,000 kroner from the municipality. Together with collected donations, voluntary work, and 2,000 kroner from the state, the project was ready to begin.

Grandma:
The building was designed by master builder O.M. Olsen, and already in the autumn of 1908, construction began.

The work progressed quickly, and by summer, permission was granted to use the chapel. During the consecration, conducted by Bishop Bøckman, the Neo-Gothic church had three galleries and seating for 300 people. I should also add that when the chapel was built, it was decided that the building should, for the time being, not be equipped with a stove or any other heating device.

 

Child:
Huh? No heating in the church?

 

Grandma:
No, that's what they said. I don’t actually know why, but perhaps it was out of fear of church fires.

Child:
It must have been terribly cold in winter!

 

Grandma:
Yes, I think so too. Perhaps that was the reason the ban was only upheld for a few years. By 1913, two stoves were installed. In 1914, an organ was added. And after the expansion in 1932, the church could accommodate 600 people. Since then, a sacristy, a children’s chapel, restrooms, and a cloakroom have also been built.

Today, Fore Church is the most visited church in Meløy and stands as a monument to what local dedication and private initiative can achieve.

 

Subject text: Helge Seim og Gøril Pedersen 

Screenplay: Helge Seim

Voices:  Evy Anne Bjærang og Avene Seim

Editing: Helge seim

Music and Soundeffect: freesound.org

 

Source: 

- Andreassen A.H. og Sørgård R. (1992) Meløy Kirke 125-årsjubileet 1867 - 1992

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