[4][5] In 1979, the church burned to the ground during construction work and the building was almost totally destroyed.

Frescoes and stained glass windows made by Emanuel Vigeland were lost.

New pieces of art were made by the artist Håkon Bleken together with a fresco which had been designed by Emanuel Vigeland.

[6] The fire at the church is the topic of a song named Vålerenga Kjerke, composed by Trond Ingebretsen and recorded by his band Bjølsen Valsemølle.

This song is sung by the supporters of the sports club Vålerenga IF at matches.