Norwegian Church, Cardiff Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Location	Cardiff Bay
Built	1868
Original use	Lutheran Church
Current use	Museum; Arts Centre; Cafe
Visitors	180,000 (in 2018/19)
Owner	Norwegian Church Preservation Trust
Website	http://www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com

The Norwegian Church Arts Centre (Welsh: Canolfan Gelfyddydau'r Eglwys Norwyaidd) is a special building in Cardiff Bay, Wales. It used to be a Lutheran church, first opened in 1868. For over 100 years, it was a welcoming place for Norwegian sailors and their families in Cardiff. It offered them a place to worship, connect with home, and feel comfortable far away from Norway. Today, it's a lively arts centre, café, and museum.

History of the Norwegian Church
Roald Dahl's Connection
The Church Today
See also

History of the Norwegian Church

In the 1800s, Cardiff was one of Britain's busiest ports, like London and Liverpool. At that time, Norway had the third-largest merchant fleet in the world. Many Norwegian ships came to Cardiff.

The Sjømannskirken, also known as the Norwegian Church Abroad, is part of the Church of Norway. It followed the sailors to Cardiff. In 1868, a church was built for Norwegian sailors and people living in Cardiff. The land was given by the John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute.

Building the Church

The church was officially opened in December 1868. It was covered in iron sheets. This was because the harbourmaster wanted it to be easy to move if needed. Because of its design, the church could be made bigger many times:

In 1883, the reading room was made larger.
In 1885, a gallery and a bell-tower were added.
In 1894, the reading room was enlarged again and covered in wood.

At first, it was called the Norwegian Iron Church. Later, it became known as the Little White Church. It was a safe and welcoming place for sailors. It offered food and shelter to all sailors. Between 1867 and 1915, the number of sailors visiting the church grew from about 7,500 to over 73,000 each year.

A Home for the Community

When the church was very active, it was a hub for the Nordic community in Cardiff. Norwegian sailors used it as a rest stop during their long journeys. During World War II, it became a "home away from home" for sailors. They could not return to Norway because of the war. The church also hosted many family events, like weddings and christenings. It even offered cooking classes for the community.

Decline and Closure

After World War II, fewer ships came to Cardiff. The shipping trade moved to other ports. In 1959, the church's mission work slowed down. By the early 1960s, the Norwegian Seamen's Mission stopped supporting it. The last priest left. The local Norwegian community tried to keep it open. But in 1974, the church finally closed its doors.

Saving the Church Building

Norwegian Church, Cardiff

By the late 1980s, the church building was empty and damaged. New roads were planned around Atlantic Wharf, and the church was in danger of being torn down.

A group of people formed the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust. They wanted to save the building. They worked with a group in Bergen, Norway. Together, they raised £250,000. This money allowed the church to be taken apart in 1987. Its pieces were carefully stored. Important original parts were saved, like the pulpit, a window, the chandelier, and a model ship. All these items were later returned to the church.

The church's original spot was used for the Wales Millennium Centre. So, new land was given by Associated British Ports. In 1992, the church was rebuilt on its current site. In April 1992, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway officially reopened the church.

Roald Dahl's Connection

The famous writer Roald Dahl was born in Cardiff. His parents were Norwegian. He and his sisters were baptised in this church. His family regularly attended services there.

Throughout his life, Roald Dahl stayed connected to the church. In the 1970s, when the church was falling apart, Dahl led a campaign to raise money to save it. Because of his efforts, he became the first president of The Norwegian Church Preservation Trust when it was set up in 1987.

A room in the church is now called 'The Dahl Gallery'. It remembers Roald Dahl and all he did for the church. In this room, you can see:

The silver bowl used to baptise Dahl and his siblings.
A shield given to the church's pastor. This was a gift because the church helped sailors during World War II.
An anchor and oars shaped like a cross. The oars are thought to be from a Norwegian sailing ship. The anchor is a gift to honor the church's history with the sea.

Every September, the month Roald Dahl was born in 1916, he is celebrated. In 2016, Cardiff Bay celebrated 100 years since his birth. The Norwegian Church launched a special project for this event.

The Church Today

In 2006, the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust was moved to Cardiff County Council. It is now managed by the Cardiff Harbour Authority.

Today, the building is an arts centre. It is known as the Norwegian Church Arts Centre. It has a café and an art gallery. In May 2011, the church had a big refurbishment that cost £500,000. This included a new outdoor terrace and a lift for easier access. The Grieg room inside the church hosts many local art and cultural events.

Norwegian Church, Cardiff facts for kids

Contents