A frigate, probably dating to the 18th century, hangs from the church ceiling. The naval flag aft is Danebrog (The Danish flag). The ship has eleven sails, four Pennants with crosses and fifty-six cannons. In the old days, people believed that the ship – called Kjoel – could predict the weather. «What did Kjoel say today?» was a common question when people came home from church.
The name Kjoel refers back to its assumed builder, a man from Eide named Sigurd Kjoel. He is said to have been at the battle of Dynekilen in 1716. The naval vessel in the Tingvoll church may have been a model of a frigate in Tordenskiold’s fleet. A naval ship in the church reminds us that the church shall fight all evil.