The Stavkirke (Church of Staves) is based on drawings of one built in Borgund, Norway in 1150 AD. Skilled local craftsmen, under the direction of head carpenters, John Herschberger, Dale Bjarnarson, John began laying the foundation of mortared beach stone and cement in 1992. The original project of the Stavkirke is attributed to the Reverend James Reiff, a pastor on the Island in the early 1980s who felt such a structure would reflect the immigrant influence on the Island. Sister Bay architect, Pat Mangan offered a personal interest of stav history to the project, made the drawings based on the Borgund stavkirke and the list of necessary materials. The Stavkirke is a vital part of the ministry of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church https://washingtonisland.com/stavkirke/