About the Church
The Church of St Joseph in Vadžgirys is a special place where history and architecture merge into one impressive whole. Situated in the town of Vadžgirys, this church stands beside the Eržvilkas–Šimkaičiai road and is a fine example of a combination of the Neoclassical and Gothic Revival styles.
The history of the chapel of the Vadžgirys manor goes back as far as the 17th century. The first chapel was built in 1676, but more marked changes began only in the 18th century. In 1790 Juozapas Vaitkevičius built a wooden church, which became a filial church of Viduklė parish. In the first half of the 19th century a parish school operated by the church.
Through the efforts of Fr Jurgis Beniusevičius, the church was enlarged in 1850, and at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1903–1905, it was substantially repaired and new bells were acquired. A parish was established in 1905, and in 1907 engineer Vaclovas Michnevičius prepared a design for a masonry church.
After the First World War, on the initiative of parish priest Povilas Katelė, the new masonry church began to be built. Although construction had not yet been finished, services were already being held here in 1924. The church became not only a spiritual centre but also a hub of culture – from 1908 to 1911 the school of the "Saulė" society, founded by J. Dargužas, operated here, and in 1932 a branch of the Pavasarininkai was active in the parish, with a string orchestra and choir.
Architecturally, the Church of St Joseph in Vadžgirys stands out for its rectangular plan and elegant small tower. Beside the church stands a wooden bell tower, which adds extra charm to this historic ensemble. Inside can be found an organ made by Jonas Garalevičius, installed as early as 1900.
With its beauty and history, the Church of St Joseph in Vadžgirys attracts not only local residents but also visitors from other parts of Lithuania. It is renowned for the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, which draws many pilgrims and guests wishing to feel the spirit and uniqueness of this place.
The history of the chapel of the Vadžgirys manor goes back as far as the 17th century. The first chapel was built in 1676, but more marked changes began only in the 18th century. In 1790 Juozapas Vaitkevičius built a wooden church, which became a filial church of Viduklė parish. In the first half of the 19th century a parish school operated by the church.
Through the efforts of Fr Jurgis Beniusevičius, the church was enlarged in 1850, and at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1903–1905, it was substantially repaired and new bells were acquired. A parish was established in 1905, and in 1907 engineer Vaclovas Michnevičius prepared a design for a masonry church.
After the First World War, on the initiative of parish priest Povilas Katelė, the new masonry church began to be built. Although construction had not yet been finished, services were already being held here in 1924. The church became not only a spiritual centre but also a hub of culture – from 1908 to 1911 the school of the "Saulė" society, founded by J. Dargužas, operated here, and in 1932 a branch of the Pavasarininkai was active in the parish, with a string orchestra and choir.
Architecturally, the Church of St Joseph in Vadžgirys stands out for its rectangular plan and elegant small tower. Beside the church stands a wooden bell tower, which adds extra charm to this historic ensemble. Inside can be found an organ made by Jonas Garalevičius, installed as early as 1900.
With its beauty and history, the Church of St Joseph in Vadžgirys attracts not only local residents but also visitors from other parts of Lithuania. It is renowned for the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, which draws many pilgrims and guests wishing to feel the spirit and uniqueness of this place.