The story

... of Strandarkirkja.

Once a young farmer was sailing on his boat from Norway to Iceland bringing back some wood to build a house. He got into danger at sea and promised he would use the wood to build a church instead of a house where the boat would come ashore ... if he would survive. When he had given his promise a lighted angel appeared in front of the boat and guided the young farmer ashore where the first Strandarkirkja was built.

This story from the 12th century has lived among the people all that time. The people believe in the power of this church and have invoked it when in trouble or severe illness.