The first church was built during the Early Middle Ages; since then there have been many more. The tradition here, as many other places, is to build a new church where the old one stood.

The people of Nordfjord were Christened in 997 when Olav Tryggvason (king of Norway 995-1000) arranged a meeting – known as a «thing» - for four counties at the thingstead Dragseidet at Stadlandet. The farmers arrived as usual; Olav, however, brought an army. The farmers could choose either to be baptized or to fight. Olav Tryggvason’s army greatly outnumbered the farmers so, understandably, they chose to be baptized.

The first church was a Stave church. The name Stave derives from the buildings’ structure, a type of timber framing where the load-bearing ore-pine posts are called stafr in Old Norse or stav in modern Norwegian. The church was located west of Myklebust farmyard. It was probably built already in the 11^th century. The church is first mentioned in written records in 1322. It was consecrated to Virgin Mary and called The Church of St. Maria. Legend says that the buildings in Myklebust farmyard burnt down in a great fire, and the suggestion is that the church was destroyed with it.

In the 15^th century it is referred to as the church at Mel, which places it north of today’s church.

A new church was built on the Myklebust farm, and in early 17^th century it was described as very beautiful. The church was made of timber and consisted of a choir, porch and tower. This church burnt down in 1689. The church was replaced by a new cruciform church, which was sanctified in 1692. It was the main church in the parish.

With a growing population came also the need for a larger church. A long plan church was built next to the cruciform church. The long plan church was completed in 1849, and shortly after the cruciform church was removed.

The long plan church is still standing. It is the largest in Nordfjord and can accommodate 750 people. The church is decorated with «dragon style» engravings and décor, which was completed under the leadership of woodworker and painter Lars Kinsarvik in 1915.

Until 1814 the priest would read public announcements on sanctified ground. In 1814 a law was introduced banishing this custom. The «tidendesteinen» was established outside the church yard and the chief of police took over the function as public announcer.