About the Church
The Church of the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — in Paupys is a special place in the village of Paupys, Raseiniai district. This wooden shrine, built in 1926, stands out for its vernacular architectural forms and its special history.
The origin of the church is closely linked to the work of the priest Izidorius Gudavičius. After the First World War, between 1923 and 1924, the residential and farm buildings of the presbytery were built on his initiative. Soon afterwards, in 1925–1926, he began organising the construction of the church. The priest not only oversaw the building work itself but also ensured that the church was properly fitted out and furnished. On 9 January 1927 the new church was blessed and became an important part of this village's community.
One of the more interesting facts about this church is that an organ was made to order in 1928 and two bells were cast. In the same year an almshouse was also built next to the church — showing what an important spiritual and social centre this building was for the community.
Architecturally, the Church of the Holy Family in Paupys is a gem of vernacular architecture. It has a rectangular plan with a three-sided apse, a low sacristy and two small turrets. The churchyard is enclosed by a pierced concrete fence, which lends the church an additional charm.
It is worth noting that for a long time after the First World War the priest Kazimieras Telksnys served here as filial priest. Thanks to him, the church and its surroundings were kept in good condition and continued to serve the local community.
A visit to this church allows one to sense not only its religious spirit but also to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Lithuania's villages. It is a place where past and present meet at a single point, offering an opportunity to reflect on the bond between people, God and community.
The origin of the church is closely linked to the work of the priest Izidorius Gudavičius. After the First World War, between 1923 and 1924, the residential and farm buildings of the presbytery were built on his initiative. Soon afterwards, in 1925–1926, he began organising the construction of the church. The priest not only oversaw the building work itself but also ensured that the church was properly fitted out and furnished. On 9 January 1927 the new church was blessed and became an important part of this village's community.
One of the more interesting facts about this church is that an organ was made to order in 1928 and two bells were cast. In the same year an almshouse was also built next to the church — showing what an important spiritual and social centre this building was for the community.
Architecturally, the Church of the Holy Family in Paupys is a gem of vernacular architecture. It has a rectangular plan with a three-sided apse, a low sacristy and two small turrets. The churchyard is enclosed by a pierced concrete fence, which lends the church an additional charm.
It is worth noting that for a long time after the First World War the priest Kazimieras Telksnys served here as filial priest. Thanks to him, the church and its surroundings were kept in good condition and continued to serve the local community.
A visit to this church allows one to sense not only its religious spirit but also to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Lithuania's villages. It is a place where past and present meet at a single point, offering an opportunity to reflect on the bond between people, God and community.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Paupio Šv. Šeimos-Jėzaus, Marijos ir Juozapo bažnyčia.
Signuotas averso dešinėje akvarele: „AKristopaitis / 79“ ir reverse pieštuku: „PAUPYS / Raseinių raj. / 1979. VI.2“.