About the Church
The Church of St Anthony of Padua at Ąžuolų Būda stands in the village of Didžioji Zariškė, next to Ąžuolų Būda, about 6 kilometres south-east of Kazlų Rūda. The wooden church arose during the interwar period through the dedication of the local people.
In 1936 the forestry authority allocated a forested plot for the church, and in 1937 the inhabitants, led by the Rifleman commander Skutas, completed the construction. The people themselves felled trees, dug out stumps and raised funds through gatherings and lotteries. A parish was established in 1938, uniting 15 surrounding villages. The foundations were blessed by Bishop Antanas Karosas, and the completed church was consecrated by Bishop Mečislovas Reinys.
The wooden church is on a rectangular plan, with one tower and a semicircular apse. It is distinguished by a massive bell tower, considerably taller than the walls themselves. The first parish priest, Klemensas Pusdešris (1938–1943), died in Soviet captivity in Siberia – his memory is still alive in the parish today.
In 1936 the forestry authority allocated a forested plot for the church, and in 1937 the inhabitants, led by the Rifleman commander Skutas, completed the construction. The people themselves felled trees, dug out stumps and raised funds through gatherings and lotteries. A parish was established in 1938, uniting 15 surrounding villages. The foundations were blessed by Bishop Antanas Karosas, and the completed church was consecrated by Bishop Mečislovas Reinys.
The wooden church is on a rectangular plan, with one tower and a semicircular apse. It is distinguished by a massive bell tower, considerably taller than the walls themselves. The first parish priest, Klemensas Pusdešris (1938–1943), died in Soviet captivity in Siberia – his memory is still alive in the parish today.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Kompozicijoje – Ąžuolų Būdos Šv. Antano Paduviečio bažnyčia.
Signuotas akvarele averso apatinėje dalyje dešinėje, pieštuku reverso viršutinėje dalyje.