I saw this unusual building while driving down the road and I had to stop to check it out. It turns out that is a Scandinavian church in Davie Florida, a place you usually think of rodeos and western facades.
This church is also known as the first Norwegian Seamen's Church which opened in Miami in 1981. The church provided religious services and cultural activities to Norwegian sailors and cruise industry employees. There is even a Royal Caribbean Cruises Hall. Today this is the religious home of some of the 4000 Norwegians who live in the area. It is also visited by Scandinavian tourists who visit the area. The people who worship here are members of The Church of Sweden, an Evangelical Lutheran Church with 6.1 million members Worldwide.
Originally located in the Port of Miami, as the number of sailors attending diminished, it was decided to move the church to Davie in 2011. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norwayofficially opened the new Norwegian Seamen's Church on Sunday, November 20th. During her speech the Crown Princess said that "the Seamen's Church could almost be called a spiritual embassy'". The tradition of naming Norwegian Seamen's Churches in honor of members of the Royal Family was continued here and the full name of the church is Sjømannskirken H.K.H. Kronprinsesse Mette-Marits kirke, Scandinavian Church and Center.
In addition to the chapel, the property also has a library, banquet hall, offices, conference rooms and homes for three families. Some people were dining in the banquet hall during my visit and when the door opened the most heavenly smell of pastries wafted out. I didn't get to see the chapel because service was going on. It was so interesting to learn about the history of this church and its connection to the cruise ship industry and the Norwegian royal family. read more