Andreas Grenstad

rdf:langString Andreas Grenstad

rdf:langString Andreas Nilsen Grenstad

rdf:langString Andreas Nilsen Grenstad

rdf:langString Agneta Larsdatter Moen

rdf:langString Nils Olsen Grendstad

rdf:langString Karen Marie Jørgensdatter

rdf:langString Andreas Nilsen Grenstad (1821-1895) was a Norwegian architect who was best known for the churches that he designed. His nickname was Anders Kirkebygger (Andreas the church-builder). Grenstad was born on the Grendstad farm in what was Klæbu Municipality in Søndre Trøndhjems county in 1821. As an adult, he lived mostly in and around Mosjøen in Vefsn Municipality. During the second half of the 19th century, Grenstad established himself as an architect and builder. His sons helped him with his business as well. The family had a sawmill as well as a boat building side business. They would often use the boats they built to go fishing in the Lofoten area. In 1860, he was one of the founders of a bank in Mosjøen. For a time around 1865, Grenstad was also a local politician who fought for farmers' rights. In 1951 during the restoration work of Valberg Church, a letter was found under the floor that was written by Grenstad. It read: "This church is built by Andreas Grenstad from Vefsn, Mosjøen, in the year of 1888, when it also was finished. Two of his sons participated in the work. This is the 8th church built by me, in addition to 7 others I have contributed to. Fifteen churches in my time in total. Now I will be 67 years old later this month. Andreas Grenstad is born on the farm Grenstad in Klæbu."