Hinna Church

Hinna Church (Hinna kirke) is a brick parish church in the southern part of Stavanger, in Rogaland county, Norway. It belongs to the Church of Norway and serves the Hinna parish. Built in the 1960s, it is a good example of postwar church architecture in a growing Norwegian suburb.

Where is Hinna Church?

The church stands in the Hinna borough, in the southern part of Stavanger Municipality. Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city and the main centre of Rogaland. Hinna is a residential district, so the church works as a neighbourhood hub rather than a sight in the historic old town. Its coordinates are roughly 58.924 N, 5.729 E.

Who designed it, and when was it consecrated?

The architects were Eyvind Retzius and Svein Bjoland. The church was built of brick on a rectangular plan, in the plain, functional style typical of its era. It was consecrated on 29 October 1967. Some sources, including the parish's own website, credit Retzius alone, so attribution varies between accounts.

How many people does it hold?

The nave seats about 700 people. That is a lot for a suburban church and reflects the scale of the district and its growing congregation at the time. The space suits large services, concerts and family occasions.

How did the Hinna parish come about?

The idea of a church of its own on Hinna dates back to the late 1930s. Before that, the area belonged to Hetland parish. Hinna became an independent parish in the mid-1960s, and the building followed shortly after. The parish is part of the Ytre Stavanger deanery (prosti) in the Diocese of Stavanger.

What else is worth knowing about the interior and surroundings?

Norwegian sources note glass paintings by the well-known Norwegian artist Victor Sparre in the choir wall. Next to the church stands the Hinnasenteret parish centre, completed around 1980, with a nursery, kitchen and meeting rooms. It keeps the complex in daily use beyond services.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hinna Church a medieval building? No. It dates from 1967 and represents modern Norwegian church architecture.

What is it built from? Brick, on a rectangular plan.

How many seats does it have? About 700.

Which church does it belong to? The Church of Norway (Lutheran), in the Diocese of Stavanger.

Is it worth a visit? If you are interested in postwar Norwegian architecture or the work of Victor Sparre, yes. It is an active parish church, so access depends on service times and parish events. Check the Hinna parish website for current hours.

Summary

Hinna Church is a modest but distinctive example of Scandinavian sacred modernism in southern Stavanger. Its 1960s brick form, large nave for around 700 people and Sparre's glass work make it an interesting stop for architecture fans and an important gathering place for the local Hinna community.