“A wotum wdzięczności.” That’s what they called it. Parafia Chrystusa Króla w Warszawie-Targówku stands before us. It is more than just a church. It is a symbol of gratitude and resilience.
Parafia Chrystusa Króla began as a dream. The dream emerged after Poland’s victory against the Bolsheviks in 1920. People often called it the “Miracle on the Vistula”. The church became a monument to those who defended the country.
Arcybiskup Aleksander Kakowski played a key role. He and the residents wanted this church. Roch and Florentyna Krzeszewski donated land on Tykocińska Street. The archbishop bought another part. This made the project possible.
In October 1931 Archbishop Kakowski blessed the site. It was the Feast of Christ the King. A wooden cross marked the spot. Parishioners still cherish it. It stands near the sacristy. The cross symbolizes the parish’s birth. The Parafia Chrystusa Króla was officially established in 1932. Ks. Jan Golędzinowski became the first pastor.
Initially, a wooden chapel served the community. Sadly, it burned down in 1939. Cardinal Kakowski laid the cornerstone for the new church in 1934. Donations poured in from across Poland. A preserved book lists the donors. Prominent figures from the Second Polish Republic are listed in it.
Construction faced challenges. The ground was waterlogged. Workers had to drive in concrete piles. They also had to drain the land. Bronisław Colonna-Walewski designed the church. He modeled it after medieval Lombard temples. By 1939 the foundations were laid. Walls rose to the height of the choir.
World War II halted construction. Fierce battles raged nearby in September 1939. On September 24th bombs destroyed the temporary chapel. Some items were saved including church banners.
In 1940 the Nazis arrested Ks. Jan Golędzinowski. He died in Dachau. Services moved to the church’s basement. In 1942 the basement flooded during rain. The congregation built a makeshift chapel. They used planks and tar paper. They worshipped there until 1950.
Construction resumed in 1947. Stanisław Koziejewski redesigned the church. He gave it a Romanesque style. The walls rose and a copper roof was added. Interior plasterwork continued from 1950 to 1956.
From 1976 to 1985 further work occurred. Central heating was installed. The exterior received a modern facade. Zbigniew Wacławek designed it. A catechetical and residential building was built. The grounds were landscaped.
Parafia Chrystusa Króla has three naves and a transept. Wide steps lead to the front. A small bell tower sits on the roof. Rose windows adorn the facade and transepts. The interior is modern. A plaster relief in the apse shows “Poland in Chains”. A large sculpture of Christ the King dominates. Two 17th-century paintings by Michael Willmann are there. They depict the Martyrdom of St. John and Christ on the Cross.
In 2007 two new chapels were added. One is for baptisms. The other commemorates the Miracle on the Vistula. It features a mosaic of Our Lady of Victory. It also contains an urn with soldiers’ ashes from 1920.
In August 2011 a fire damaged the roof. Firefighters caused further damage inside. The church was rebuilt after parishioner efforts.
Parafia Chrystusa Króla stands as a testament. It testifies to faith, resilience, and gratitude. It has been a beacon of hope for the Targówek community. Its history is etched into its very stones. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.