The 13th century was a very active church building age in our country. It is therefore reasonable to assume that Meløy also got its first church at this time, as one of the 1200 churches and chapels that old sources mention from this time.

In 1661, construction work on the new church began. The old one was demolished in 1666, the same year that the new one was completed. The new church was built by Joen Svendsen. Unfortunately, this church did not last many years before it burned down after lightning struck in January 1704. It was not possible to save the building itself, but it was possible to save some of the furnishings. Including an altarpiece, a pulpit, as well as a chandelier.

When the new church was to be built, there was some disagreement, among other things about who should pay for it. When the matter finally came before the king, it was settled and in 1711 the church was erected.

150 years later, this church was also ready for replacement. After some discussion, it was decided that the new one should be built directly south of the old one. Work on the church went quickly, and in the summer of 1867, it was ready. The new church was so large that it became difficult for the priest to control the people's attention. Already in the same year, it was thus decided in the parish council that disturbances in the church during services should be fined 60 shillings. In 1895, a doorman was also employed to ensure peace and order in the church during services. This position continued until 1913 when it was subordinated to the position of church servant.
 
Even though the church had been consecrated, it was not finished. Much work remained, and it went slowly. Most likely the reason for this was lack of finances. It would prove to take 30 years before the church got its own heat source. It was not until June 1900 that it was decided bu the town council to buy 2 Church ovens. 
 
Yes indeed, the Lord's love warms the soul, but it must have been cold in the middle of winter.
 
Over the course of the 20th century, a number of repairs and maintenance work have been carried out at the church. This was also the century in which electricity found its way into many homes. Electric lights were also installed here in the church. This happened in the early 1940s. In the 60s, it was also decided that the church should be floodlit.
Meløy Church, which is a neo-Gothic long church, is today Northern Norway's second largest wooden church. Only surpassed by the Lofoten Cathedral in Kabelvåg. By today's measure, the church may seem unnecessarily large, but according to the rules of the time, it is actually a bit small. In the 19th century, all churches were to be built to accommodate 1/3 of the parish's population. In Meløy, there were just under 2,000 permanent residents. The building was thus designed to house 750. This was not approved, and the number was actually adjusted down to 600.
 
We must also remember that it was built in a time when the church was much more than just a place for worship. In a time when everyday life mainly involved hard work isolated from the outside world, the visit to church on Sunday became the highlight of the week. Here you met friends and family. News was heard from other places in the village and public announcements were read out.

Subject text: Helge Seim

Screenplay: Helge Seim og Jan Ivar Bårtvedt

Voice:  Bente Sørgård

Editing: Helge seim

Music and sounds: freesound.org

Source:

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