St Olafs Kirke

Saint Olaf"s Lutheran Church in Cranfills Gap, Texas has two church buildings. St Olafs Kirke (locally known at "The Rock Church," was built in 1886. J.K.

Immigrants from Norway first began settling in Bosque County in 1854. Most days were spent clearing land, building shelter, harvesting food, and providing for everyday essentials. But Sundays were days of rest and for gathering to worship in homes. In 1886, St Olafs Kirke (The Rock Church) was built with mostly volunteer labor by church members, using rocks hauled from the mountain to the south. T

he church has neither running water nor electricity, and is heated by an old wood-burning stove. Both the stove and the Vocalion Reed Pump Organ (a rare instrument which has been recently restored), were manufactured before 1900. The hand-painted finish on the pews mimic more expensive wood. Pews, floors, and light fixtures are all original. In 1897, the Ladies Aid Organization purchased the Swedish bell which still hangs in the bell tower. An hour before services were to begin, the bell would ring, reminding people, “This is Sunday. Come to church.”

Rev. Rystad, who was pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norse (est. 1869), also served the new congregation at The Rock Church from 1886 until 1902, when St. Olaf’s congregation was able to support a preacher of its own. Church membership had grown enough by 1917 to require the “new” St. Olaf Church be built in Cranfills Gap. The congregation is responsible for both church buildings. Services were conducted in Norwegian until the 1940s. St Olafs Kirke is used for special services at Easter, Christmas Eve, and other planned events. It is a favorite spot for a quiet, simple wedding service, and serves on occasion for baptisms or funerals. The adjacent cemetery has been expanded to almost 3,000 spaces.

03/06/2026

12/02/2025

Please join us for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at St Olafs Kirke (Rock Church) on December 24th. Don’t forget your flashlight and jackets/blankets. The church location is 680 CR 4145, Cranfills Gap, Texas 76637.

04/02/2021

Reminder! The 15th Annual Rock Church Cemetery meeting will be held Saturday, April 3rd at 11:00 am at the Gathering Place.

01/24/2021

A memorial service will be held for Rebecca Blue Rushing, class of 1958, on April 10th at 2 pm at thar Rock Church.

08/20/2019

04/19/2019

Saint Olaf Easter Services
Please join us!

April 19 - Good Friday Service at the Rock Church, 6:00pm

April 21 - Easter Sunrise Service at the Rock Church, 7:00am, followed by the Youth Breakfast at the Brick Church; Regular Easter Service at 9:30am at the Brick Church, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt

04/18/2019

Easter Good Friday service 7 pm on April 19th.
Sunday April 21 Sunrise Service at 7 am

12/21/2018

On December 24th, join us for Saint Olaf Lutheran’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at the Rock Church
4:30 pm ~ 6:00 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Communion offered only during last service. Bring a flashlight and a blanket.

03/26/2018

On Sunday, April 1, 2018, Easter Sunrise Service will be held at St Olafs Kirke (Rock Church) at 7:00 a.m.

Following the Sunrise Service, Saint Olaf Lutheran Youth will host a Fundraiser Breakfast in the basement of the church in town. These funds will be used to send youth to Summer Camp and to help fund the Saint Olaf Summer Day Camp.

At 9:30 a.m., the regular Sunday Morning Church Service will be held at the church in town.

Following the 9:30 a.m. service, an Easter Egg Hunt will be held for any children who wish to participate. See you there!

09/20/2017

On Saturday, October 21st (one day before the 100-year Centennial Celebration at the church in Cranfills Gap), the Rock Church will host Gospel, bluegrass, and folk music from 2pm to 4pm.

You will have an opportunity to visit the cemetery, with Cemetery Board members on hand to help find grave sites and answer questions.

The Gathering Place will be open for use of the restroom, and for relaxing and having a refreshing drink.

Address

2680 CR 4145
Cranfills Gap, TX
76637

Telephone

+14096584979

Website

http://rockchurch-gap.com/

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