The Gol Stave Church Model
Stave churches (stavkirker) are among Norway’s most distinctive architectural treasures. While an estimated 800–1000 once existed, only about 30 original structures remain today. Some have been relocated and preserved, and a number of replicas have been constructed in North America.
The original Gol Stave Church, built in the early 1200s, is located in the Hallingdal valley of Buskerud, Norway. Like many churches during the Lutheran Reformation (1536–37), it came under royal ownership and was later sold. By the late 1800s, the church had become too small for its congregation and faced demolition. It was saved by a Norwegian preservation society, dismantled, and eventually reassembled in 1885 at Bygdøy, near Oslo, with the permission of King Oscar II. Today, it is part of the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.
Over time, modifications were made to the structure, including the addition of an արտաքին cloister, inspired by other stave churches such as Borgund.
Two full-scale replicas of the Gol Stave Church have since been built—one in Gol, Norway (1994), and another in Minot, North Dakota (2001). Edmonton Sons of Norway member Anders Anderson contributed architectural drawings for the Minot replica, while Dr. Myron Peterson led fundraising efforts. Construction was completed by Norwegian-born builder Don Guida.
The Edmonton Model
Inspired by these efforts, Wayne Nordstrom of the Sons of Norway Solglyt Lodge initiated the construction of a detailed scale model in 2002. Built at a 1:15 scale using Anderson’s architectural drawings, the model became a collaborative project involving many dedicated volunteers.
Key contributors included Dennis Douglas, Wayne Nordstrom, and Anders Anderson, with additional support from Stan Johnson, Jo Storhaug, Nathan Schmidt, Bob Ardiel, and John Stensland. Specialized elements were crafted by others, including furnishings and decorative details.
The model was constructed over several years—primarily during winter evenings in Edmonton—and represents approximately 2,100 hours of work. It was completed in 2006, with its display base finalized in 2017.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Even in its early stages, the model attracted significant attention. It was featured at the Scandinavian Showcase during Klondike Days in Edmonton in 2003 and later highlighted by Access TV in 2004.
Over the years, the model has been displayed at numerous venues across Alberta and Saskatchewan, including Sons of Norway lodges, cultural events, churches, and community celebrations. It has been an important ambassador for Norwegian heritage and craftsmanship.
Permanent Home at Augustana Campus
After years of traveling exhibitions, a permanent home was sought for the model. In 2017, it was placed on loan at the Augustana Campus in Camrose, where it was displayed in the library and became part of campus tours and educational programming.
Recognizing the strong cultural connection, the model’s builders formally donated it to Augustana in 2021. The donation was celebrated at a special event in September 2022, attended by university staff, students, and members of the Sons of Norway community.
Today, the Gol Stave Church model remains on permanent display at Augustana Campus, where it continues to educate and inspire visitors while highlighting the region’s Scandinavian heritage.
Visitors to Camrose are warmly encouraged to stop by the Augustana Campus library to view this remarkable model and experience a piece of Norwegian history firsthand.
