The Church and the Parish Priests

Since the Reformation in 1537, the church in Denmark-Norway had been part of the state, with the King as head, and the priests were royal officials. The church service and the church acts – baptisms, weddings and funerals – were an important part of people’s daily lives. But during the 18th century, the church also gained an expanded social mission, with the introduction of confirmation in 1736 and a community school three years later. It also played an important role in the development of a poor system, and royal laws and decrees were announced on the church grounds after the services. Thus, the parish priest became a cornerstone of the absolute monarchy’s civil service.

​

The main church and rectory at Eiker were geographically centrally located, close to the sound site of Haugsund. There were several homesteads here, and the "Egerske Company" had a practice area at the church. In 1741, the Nøstetangen glassworks was also built on the rectory grounds.

 

Between 1741 and 1776 there were four parish priests at Eiker. Peder Anchersen had held the office since 1720, and previously he had been ship's chaplain for Peter Wessel Tordenskjold. He is described as He was parish priest until 1749, when he was succeeded by Christian Grave He was a poet and antique collector, very interested in history and was appointed Peder Jespersen NyropLorentz Schnitler

 

The tombstones of Nyrop and Schnitler can still be seen in the cemetery at Haug Church, where they are among the oldest tombstones.