It is also the seat of the Arendal prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Agder og Telemark.

The red, brick, neo-Gothic church was built in a cruciform basilica design in 1888 using plans drawn up by the architect Christian Fürst.

The eastern section was divided into two wings, giving it a Y-shape (one of only 10 churches in Norway with that design).

The foundation stone was laid down in 1833 by Crown Prince Oscar (later, he became the king of Sweden and Norway).

The church, which was completed in 1835, had no altar, but a large gypsum replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's famous Christ sculpture.

In 1880, when Arendal was at its height as a town based on shipping, it was decided to build a new, much larger church.

The influence of Otzen is also seen in the use of materials, a brick stone type with smooth surface.

In 1909, scaffolding was set up around the whole exterior to clean and replace the fire damaged bricks.

The church bazaar is a plaza surrounded by a brick wall with round arches.