It is one of the churches for the Røn parish which is part of the Valdres prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Hamar.

This church was located immediately north of the present-day Øyjar Chapel.

Historically, the spelling of the church name has varied, including Øyjar, Øyar, Øye, and others.

The chapel was designed by Karl Stenersen and the lead builder was Lars Wiknes.

[6][5] In 1965, the old church site, just north of the new chapel was investigated by the historian Luce Hinsch.

Traces of the old foundation were unearthed, but they were so badly damaged by more recent burials that the size of the church could not be determined.