Definition
Hunn Church (Norwegian: Hunn kirke) is a parish church of the Church of Norway located in the municipality of Gjøvik in Innlandet county, Norway.
Overview
The church serves the Hunn parish within the Toten deanery (Toten prosti) of the Diocese of Hamar (Hamar bispedømme). Constructed in the early 21st century, Hunn Church is a modern wooden nave that functions as the main place of worship for the local congregation. The building was completed and consecrated in 2008, replacing a previous temporary worship space used by the parish.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Hunn” derives from the historic farm and locality of Hunn (Old Norse Hunnr), situated in the western part of Gjøvik. The area has been inhabited since medieval times, and the church’s designation reflects its service to residents of this traditional district.
Characteristics
- Architecture: The church is built primarily of timber in a rectangular “long‑church” layout, a common form in contemporary Norwegian ecclesiastical architecture.
- Capacity: It accommodates approximately 300 congregants.
- Materials: The exterior combines natural wood cladding with glass elements that allow ample natural light into the nave.
- Design: The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, aligning with the liturgical and community‑centered aims of the Church of Norway.
- Facilities: In addition to the sanctuary, the building houses meeting rooms, a kitchen, and a vestibule that serve both parish activities and broader community events.
Related Topics
- Church of Norway – the Lutheran state church to which Hunn Church belongs.
- Diocese of Hamar – the ecclesiastical jurisdiction overseeing the church.
- Gjøvik – the municipality in which the church is situated.
- Norwegian wooden church architecture – the broader tradition of timber‑built churches in Norway.
Note: While the present Hunn Church was inaugurated in 2008, historical records indicate that earlier religious structures existed in the Hunn area, though precise details about a medieval or earlier “Hunn Church” are limited and not fully confirmed.