Guide to Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

The Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík congregation was formally established in the autumn of 1899, starting with an initial membership of 600 people. The founding was not driven by doctrinal disputes with the national Lutheran church but by dissatisfaction with the organization of the established national church at the time.

Following the selection of a site on the east bank of the lake Tjörnin, the church building was consecrated on 22 February 1903. This marked the opening of the physical place of worship for the new congregation.

Just two years after its original consecration, the building was lengthened to accommodate the congregation. The expansion was carried out according to the architectural designs of Rögnvaldur Ólafsson.

The church underwent significant structural changes in 1924, including the construction of a new chancel made of concrete at the eastern end. Additional alterations were also completed on both sides of the forechurch under the supervision of master builder Guðmundur H. Þorláksson.

In July 2010, the church was used as a recording location for the pipe organ tracks featured on Tim Hecker's album titled Ravedeath, 1972. This event underscores the building's continued use and its cultural presence in modern music.