About the Church
The Church of St Aloysius in Šiupyliai, situated in the cosy village of Šiupyliai near the Kuršėnai–Gruzdžiai road, is a true gem of vernacular architecture and an important witness to local history.
The first step towards the creation of this church was taken as early as 1619, when the king's inspectors chose a site on a hill near the present-day location of Šiupyliai for the future house of prayer. The 23 valakai of land allotted to the church became the basis for a new community, whose foundation was confirmed in 1623. Two years later, in 1625, a parish was established, named Užmušys.
The church was rebuilt more than once: for the first time in 1799, and for the second time in 1846. At that time it also became a filial church. However, in the early 20th century, in 1915, fire destroyed the church and all the presbytery buildings. This was a great blow to the local community, but around 1924, thanks to the efforts of the brothers Adomas and Juozas Valeika from the village of Voreliai, the church was rebuilt.
This wooden church is notable for its vernacular architectural forms. It is of rectangular plan, with an elegant turret that gives an additional sense of height and lightness. Inside the single-nave church three altars are set up, and the ceiling is vaulted, adding particular beauty and cosiness to the interior.
The churchyard, surrounded by a low fence, is another special place. Here stands the old bell tower, whose unique history continues to this day. Interestingly, on 22 March 1992 a bell weighing 82 kg, cast in Moscow, was hung in the bell tower through the efforts of Edvardas Zeidotas, a priest from Gruzdžiai.
The Church of St Aloysius in Šiupyliai is not only a sacred site but also a living witness to local history, connecting several generations. Its restoration and upkeep required great dedication and love, so every corner here breathes the spirit and warmth of the past.
The first step towards the creation of this church was taken as early as 1619, when the king's inspectors chose a site on a hill near the present-day location of Šiupyliai for the future house of prayer. The 23 valakai of land allotted to the church became the basis for a new community, whose foundation was confirmed in 1623. Two years later, in 1625, a parish was established, named Užmušys.
The church was rebuilt more than once: for the first time in 1799, and for the second time in 1846. At that time it also became a filial church. However, in the early 20th century, in 1915, fire destroyed the church and all the presbytery buildings. This was a great blow to the local community, but around 1924, thanks to the efforts of the brothers Adomas and Juozas Valeika from the village of Voreliai, the church was rebuilt.
This wooden church is notable for its vernacular architectural forms. It is of rectangular plan, with an elegant turret that gives an additional sense of height and lightness. Inside the single-nave church three altars are set up, and the ceiling is vaulted, adding particular beauty and cosiness to the interior.
The churchyard, surrounded by a low fence, is another special place. Here stands the old bell tower, whose unique history continues to this day. Interestingly, on 22 March 1992 a bell weighing 82 kg, cast in Moscow, was hung in the bell tower through the efforts of Edvardas Zeidotas, a priest from Gruzdžiai.
The Church of St Aloysius in Šiupyliai is not only a sacred site but also a living witness to local history, connecting several generations. Its restoration and upkeep required great dedication and love, so every corner here breathes the spirit and warmth of the past.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – tarp žaliuojančių medžių Šiupylių Šv. Aloyzo bažnyčia ir varpinė.
Signuotas pietuku averso apatinėje dalyje dešinėje ir reverse.
Kompozicijoje – Šiupylių Šv. Aloyzo bažnyčia su varpine, už jų aukštų medžių siluetai.
Signuotas pieštuku averso apatinėje dalyje.