About the Church
Semeliškės St Lawrence Church is a true gem of wooden architecture, situated in the town of Semeliškės, by the river Strėva. Built in 1783, it is one of the oldest wooden churches in Lithuania and undoubtedly has an interesting and colourful history.
The first church on this site appeared as early as the beginning of the 15th century. The Grand Duke of Lithuania Aleksandras Jogailaitis granted the church an endowment twice – in 1501 and 1502 – and in 1506 allowed the parish priest to keep taverns. This was an important step in the community's life, since taverns at that time served not only a commercial but also a social function.
The church, however, suffered misfortune more than once. It burned down during the war with Russia in 1655, was rebuilt in 1664, but burned down again in 1699. Despite this, efforts were always made to restore it. In the 18th century, next to the old, decayed church, the present new church was built.
Although in the late 19th century the Governor of Vilnius wanted to close the church and set up an Orthodox church in it, this plan was never carried out. The church remained a centre of the Catholic community, where various religious events and school activities took place. In 1905 the priest Jonas Masiulis began preaching sermons in Lithuanian, which was important for fostering national identity.
The church's architecture is also worth attention. It is a rectangular-plan building with two small towers and an 18th-century Baroque altar, which was moved here from the church in Žiežmariai. The churchyard is enclosed by a post fence with metal railings, and within it stands the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1857).
One of the most interesting features is the bell tower standing by the church, which houses the oldest bell in Lithuania, cast in 1442. This bell, bearing a Gothic inscription, was evacuated to Russia during the First World War, but returned to Semeliškės only in 1927.
Over its long existence the church has been served by many eminent clergymen. From the early 20th century such notable priests as Jonas Masiulis, Juozapas Būčys, Alfonsas Petraitis and others served here. Each of them contributed to the life of the church and to fostering the community's spiritual life.
Today Semeliškės St Lawrence Church is not only a religious centre but also an important part of the region's cultural heritage, attesting to Lithuania's rich and complex church history.
The first church on this site appeared as early as the beginning of the 15th century. The Grand Duke of Lithuania Aleksandras Jogailaitis granted the church an endowment twice – in 1501 and 1502 – and in 1506 allowed the parish priest to keep taverns. This was an important step in the community's life, since taverns at that time served not only a commercial but also a social function.
The church, however, suffered misfortune more than once. It burned down during the war with Russia in 1655, was rebuilt in 1664, but burned down again in 1699. Despite this, efforts were always made to restore it. In the 18th century, next to the old, decayed church, the present new church was built.
Although in the late 19th century the Governor of Vilnius wanted to close the church and set up an Orthodox church in it, this plan was never carried out. The church remained a centre of the Catholic community, where various religious events and school activities took place. In 1905 the priest Jonas Masiulis began preaching sermons in Lithuanian, which was important for fostering national identity.
The church's architecture is also worth attention. It is a rectangular-plan building with two small towers and an 18th-century Baroque altar, which was moved here from the church in Žiežmariai. The churchyard is enclosed by a post fence with metal railings, and within it stands the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1857).
One of the most interesting features is the bell tower standing by the church, which houses the oldest bell in Lithuania, cast in 1442. This bell, bearing a Gothic inscription, was evacuated to Russia during the First World War, but returned to Semeliškės only in 1927.
Over its long existence the church has been served by many eminent clergymen. From the early 20th century such notable priests as Jonas Masiulis, Juozapas Būčys, Alfonsas Petraitis and others served here. Each of them contributed to the life of the church and to fostering the community's spiritual life.
Today Semeliškės St Lawrence Church is not only a religious centre but also an important part of the region's cultural heritage, attesting to Lithuania's rich and complex church history.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Vilniaus gubernijos Trakų pavieto Semeliškių bažnyčia.