About the Church
The Seda Church of St John Nepomucene is an impressive wooden church, located in the small but historically rich town of Seda, which lies by a bend of the river Varduva. This church is a fine example of vernacular architecture, with its simple yet very expressive and cosy form.
The church's history began in 1781, when a chapel was built on the grounds of Seda manor. Two years later, in 1783, this chapel was enlarged and converted into a proper church. In addition, a bell tower was added, which became an inseparable part of the church. The church received the title of St John Nepomucene, thereby commemorating this saint's patronage and protection.
It is interesting to note that over its long history the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene underwent many trials. In 1791 the church was granted two margas of land, and on 28 May 1793 it was solemnly consecrated by the auxiliary bishop Tadas Juozapas Bukatas. In the first half of the 19th century the church served as a school for pupils, but after the uprising of 1863 it was left without a priest. In 1886 the priest's house burned down in a fire in the town, but in 1891 a priest returned to Seda once more.
In 1900 the parish priest S. Paulukevičius rebuilt the church at his own expense, giving it new life. But during the Second World War the church was closed and soon turned into a warehouse, and later into a mill. This period left deep marks, but in September 1988 the abandoned building was returned to the faithful. Thanks to the parish priest Algis Genutis and the parishioners, the church was repaired and renewed. On 1 October 1989 it was consecrated once more.
Architecturally, the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene has a rectangular plan and a single tower, and is marked by the forms of vernacular architecture. Many valuable works of art and interior details have survived in the church, telling of its rich history.
Today the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene not only serves as a place of worship but also attracts visitors on account of its unique architecture and historical significance. It is a place where one can feel the spirit of times past and understand what an important place the church holds in the culture and history of Lithuania.
The church's history began in 1781, when a chapel was built on the grounds of Seda manor. Two years later, in 1783, this chapel was enlarged and converted into a proper church. In addition, a bell tower was added, which became an inseparable part of the church. The church received the title of St John Nepomucene, thereby commemorating this saint's patronage and protection.
It is interesting to note that over its long history the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene underwent many trials. In 1791 the church was granted two margas of land, and on 28 May 1793 it was solemnly consecrated by the auxiliary bishop Tadas Juozapas Bukatas. In the first half of the 19th century the church served as a school for pupils, but after the uprising of 1863 it was left without a priest. In 1886 the priest's house burned down in a fire in the town, but in 1891 a priest returned to Seda once more.
In 1900 the parish priest S. Paulukevičius rebuilt the church at his own expense, giving it new life. But during the Second World War the church was closed and soon turned into a warehouse, and later into a mill. This period left deep marks, but in September 1988 the abandoned building was returned to the faithful. Thanks to the parish priest Algis Genutis and the parishioners, the church was repaired and renewed. On 1 October 1989 it was consecrated once more.
Architecturally, the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene has a rectangular plan and a single tower, and is marked by the forms of vernacular architecture. Many valuable works of art and interior details have survived in the church, telling of its rich history.
Today the Seda Church of St John Nepomucene not only serves as a place of worship but also attracts visitors on account of its unique architecture and historical significance. It is a place where one can feel the spirit of times past and understand what an important place the church holds in the culture and history of Lithuania.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Sedos Šv. Jono Nepomuko bažnyčia. Po II pasaulinio karo pastatas tapo sandėliu, vėliau – malūnu. 1988 m. čia vėl pradėjo veikti bažnyčia.
Sedos Šv. Jono Nepomuko bažnyčia. Po II pasaulinio karo pastatas tapo sandėliu, vėliau – malūnu. 1988 m. čia vėl pradėjo veikti bažnyčia.