Árdís - 01.01.1958, Page 31

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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rounded by sandy flats, and faces the ocean which is only a few
rods away. After inspecting the interior and admiring many an-
cient objects, among them a pure gold chalice 600 years old, we
listened spellbound to the story of this ancient interesting place
as related by our guide. He is a neighbor farmer and knows the
story well. He also loves to tell it. I will now repeat it as well as
I can remember it, but minus the enchanting atmosphere which
surrounded us there.
It was the year 1164 A.D. The night was dark and cold. A
fierce storm lashed the waves against the rock bound coast. A
short distance from land, tossing about on wild waves, was a small
vessel laden with timber and manned by a handful of seamen.
They were hopelessly lost but aware of the fact that they were
approaching rocks and reefs, and to attempt a landing would most
certainly prove fatal. There were no lighthouses nor compasses
to light and lead their way. The ship’s crew, sorely tired and
weary turned their thoughts to God. They prayed for a safe land-
ing place and made a promise that should their prayers be heard
they would erect a church on the very spot, where people of future
generations could worship forever and anon. Suddenly they saw
a light! They directed their ship toward it and found a small bay
where they were able to land safely. But what about the light?
It had not been placed in a window, for there wasn’t a residence
for miles, but to their amazement they saw a bright, heavenly
being — an angel — casting rays of divine light all around. This
angel had directed their landing. Abruptly she disappeared, having
fulfilled her mission. The seamen kept their promise. They named
the place “Angel Bay” and erected a church (Stranda kirkja)
which to this day stands as God’s beacon light. Untold thousands
have worshipped there for centuries and will continue to do so
down through the ages. We walked down to the shore and beheld
with our own eyes the tiny inlet bay where the ship had landed
safely so long ago. Then we strolled to a knoll a short distance
from the church. On it stands a beautiful statue “Landsyn” — by
Gunnfridur Jonsdottir of Reykjavik which was unveiled in 1950.
It depicts an angel, clutching a cross — beckoning not only those
lost at sea, but you and me and all wayfarers traveling on the sea
of life.
“Lead kindly light . . . Lead thou me on.”