Stavkirke

There is a replica stavkirke on Washington Island, built by and across the road from Trinity Lutheran Church. Stavkirkes were built in Norway around 1100 A.D., when Christianity was overcoming paganism, and thus contain both Christian and pagan symbols. The construction is similar to Viking shipbuilding. There are only about 30 original stavkirkes left in Norway, but there are 2 replicas in Door County. I wonder if there are replicas elsewhere?

Closer view of the top, with dragonheads.

Wrought iron is used for fastenings and door hinges. The center rosette seemed purely decorative, but now I see that it is a door knocker. This was on a side door.

Norwegian churches traditionally have a model sailing ship suspended in the nave, to represent their connection to the sea. This one is not a Norwegian boat, but a replica of a schooner used on Lake Michigan in the late 1800's.

The altar.