About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua in the village of Vidsodis is a site of not only religious but also cultural significance, drawing both the faithful and history enthusiasts with its history and architecture.
The church's history began in 1922, when the land reform allocated 8 hectares of land for this future shrine. This was the first step towards establishing a permanent church at Vidsodis. Already in 1924 the presbytery was built, and a year later a temporary church appeared in the cemetery, serving as a filial church of the Kuršėnai parish.
Through the efforts of the priest Antanas Ragažinskas, a parish was established in 1930, and the present wooden church, whose foundations were laid by parish priest Zigmantas Syrius together with his parishioners, was built in 1939. This building became an important centre for the local community.
Architecturally, the Church of St Anthony of Padua at Vidsodis is an excellent example of vernacular architecture. The church has a cruciform plan, one tower, and is fairly plain and modest, though no less charming for that. Inside are three altars, which lend the interior particular solemnity. The church's churchyard is walled, giving the whole complex a sense of completeness and a certain sacred quality.
Today the Church of St Anthony of Padua at Vidsodis is an important cultural and religious site in Kelmė district, testifying to the efforts and spirituality of the local community. Although the church is not large or especially distinctive architecturally, its value lies in its history, in people's efforts and in the strength of their faith.
The church's history began in 1922, when the land reform allocated 8 hectares of land for this future shrine. This was the first step towards establishing a permanent church at Vidsodis. Already in 1924 the presbytery was built, and a year later a temporary church appeared in the cemetery, serving as a filial church of the Kuršėnai parish.
Through the efforts of the priest Antanas Ragažinskas, a parish was established in 1930, and the present wooden church, whose foundations were laid by parish priest Zigmantas Syrius together with his parishioners, was built in 1939. This building became an important centre for the local community.
Architecturally, the Church of St Anthony of Padua at Vidsodis is an excellent example of vernacular architecture. The church has a cruciform plan, one tower, and is fairly plain and modest, though no less charming for that. Inside are three altars, which lend the interior particular solemnity. The church's churchyard is walled, giving the whole complex a sense of completeness and a certain sacred quality.
Today the Church of St Anthony of Padua at Vidsodis is an important cultural and religious site in Kelmė district, testifying to the efforts and spirituality of the local community. Although the church is not large or especially distinctive architecturally, its value lies in its history, in people's efforts and in the strength of their faith.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Vidsodžio Šv. Antano Paduviečio bažnyčia.
Signuotas averso kairėje akvarele: „AKristopaitis / 80“ ir reverse pieštuku: „VIDSODIS / 1980. V. 15 / Statyta / Varpas „EHRE SE GOTT IN DER HOHE - 1926“.
Vidsodžio katalikų bažnyčia.