It is one of the two churches for the Skåre parish which is part of the Haugaland prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Stavanger.

The white, wooden church was built in a octagonal style in 1858 using designs by the architect Christian Heinrich Grosch.

On 15 May 1301, Bishop Arne of the Ancient Diocese of Stavanger wrote that he was on a visit to Karmøy and Skåre.

According to the historian, Snorri Sturluson, King Harald Hårfagre was buried on Haugo (the old name for this area).

The new church was consecrated on 7 July 1858 and it served the town of Haugesund as well as the Skåre parish of Torvastad.