About the Church
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Bagaslaviškis is not only a religious building but also an important cultural part of the area, standing in the small town of Bagaslaviškis in Širvintos district. This wooden church, an example of vernacular architecture, was built in 1851, though its roots reach back to the late 18th century.
The first wooden church in Bagaslaviškis was built in 1787 on the initiative of the landowner Ignas Šveikauskis. Just three years later a parish was already active here. Over time the church was renewed — this happened in 1827 — and the present one, preserved to this day, was built in 1851.
A special role in the history of this church was played by Father Silvestras Gimžauskas, who lived in Bagaslaviškis as an altarist in 1893–1897. He was the first to hold services in Lithuanian, promoting the education and cultural life of the local Lithuanians. Furthermore, in 1906, through the efforts of Father Povilas Burbulis, a concrete presbytery was built, in which the first Lithuanian theatrical performance in Bagaslaviškis took place on 7 July of that same year.
The church's architecture is notable for its simplicity and functionality. It resembles a traditional dwelling house, with a triangular pediment and two small towers. Inside, the church is divided into three naves, separated by columns, which give the space structural clarity and stability. The churchyard is enclosed by a stone wall with an arched gate, against which leans a wooden bell tower, likewise an interesting detail of vernacular architecture.
Over its long history the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross has also lived through difficult periods. For example, on 2 November 1918 the church's roof burned down. Later, in 1920, when Poles arrested and deported parish priest Petras Bertulis, the parish went through hard times. Yet despite everything, the church has continued to remain a centre of spiritual and cultural values for the local community.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Bagaslaviškis is not only a house of prayer but also a testimony to the perseverance, faith and love of the local people for their culture and traditions. Its history and architecture reflect the cultural heritage of both the local community and the whole of Lithuania.
The first wooden church in Bagaslaviškis was built in 1787 on the initiative of the landowner Ignas Šveikauskis. Just three years later a parish was already active here. Over time the church was renewed — this happened in 1827 — and the present one, preserved to this day, was built in 1851.
A special role in the history of this church was played by Father Silvestras Gimžauskas, who lived in Bagaslaviškis as an altarist in 1893–1897. He was the first to hold services in Lithuanian, promoting the education and cultural life of the local Lithuanians. Furthermore, in 1906, through the efforts of Father Povilas Burbulis, a concrete presbytery was built, in which the first Lithuanian theatrical performance in Bagaslaviškis took place on 7 July of that same year.
The church's architecture is notable for its simplicity and functionality. It resembles a traditional dwelling house, with a triangular pediment and two small towers. Inside, the church is divided into three naves, separated by columns, which give the space structural clarity and stability. The churchyard is enclosed by a stone wall with an arched gate, against which leans a wooden bell tower, likewise an interesting detail of vernacular architecture.
Over its long history the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross has also lived through difficult periods. For example, on 2 November 1918 the church's roof burned down. Later, in 1920, when Poles arrested and deported parish priest Petras Bertulis, the parish went through hard times. Yet despite everything, the church has continued to remain a centre of spiritual and cultural values for the local community.
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Bagaslaviškis is not only a house of prayer but also a testimony to the perseverance, faith and love of the local people for their culture and traditions. Its history and architecture reflect the cultural heritage of both the local community and the whole of Lithuania.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Architektūrinė kompozicija. Bagaslaviškio (Širvintų r.) Šv. Kryžiaus Atradimo medinė bažnyčia pastatyta 1851 m. Šventorių juosia akmenų mūro tvora. Vaizde – tvoros arkiniai vartai.
Aprašė Aldona Rudzevičienė