Begun in 1866, the Evangelical Reformed Parish in Warsaw stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This church has witnessed Warsaw’s most turbulent times. Today we will explore its history.
The Evangelical Reformed Parish in Warsaw officially began in 1776. A previous decree banned dissenters from settling in Mazovia. The Evangelical Reformed Parish could then officially form. A building belonging to the Leszno jurisdiction housed it.
Construction of the current Evangelical Reformed Parish church started in 1866. Pastor Józef Spleszyński initiated it. Adolf Loewe a renowned architect designed it. He was also a member of the Evangelical Reformed Parish. Lack of funds prolonged construction for fourteen years. Still parishioners completed their Evangelical Reformed Parish church. August Karol Diehl consecrated it on October 24 1880.
Notice the high tower with a shawl helmet. It was modeled on the tower of The Cathedral of Our Lady in Freiburg im Breisgau.
The Evangelical Reformed Parish includes an oak pulpit. Konstanty Wojciechowski designed it.
In 1881 the Evangelical Reformed Parish founded many institutions. These were in the Działyński Palace. They included a hospital and an elementary school. There was also a home for orphans and a nursing home.
After Poland regained independence parish life thrived. A Youth Association formed. Also a Mission Inner Circle and a Ladies Auxiliary began. They conducted Sunday school classes. Trips and camps for children were organized too.
Two parish magazines were published. From 1924 to 1928 “Żagiew Chrystusowa” existed. From 1926 to 1939 “Jednota” was published.
During World War II the Evangelical Reformed Parish faced immense challenges. In 1940 buildings were destroyed. This included the Evangelical Reformed Parish church and the Działyński Palace. They were destroyed during the defense of Warsaw. Parishioners and clergy helped save Jews. They were saved from the nearby Warsaw ghetto. This is commemorated by a monument behind the Evangelical Reformed Parish.
Many parishioners and priests were killed during the occupation. Still Evangelicals participated in the Warsaw Uprising.
After the war services were held in a Methodist chapel. Renovations began on the Evangelical Reformed Parish church. It also served Warsaw’s Lutherans. Their church burned down in 1939. In 1958 the parish rectory was restored. From 1960 to 1974 the Polish Ecumenical Council was based there.
The Evangelical Reformed Parish cemetery was established in 1792. It is in the Wola district. Many gravestones need renovation.
Today the Evangelical Reformed Parish continues its mission. The current pastor is Michał Jabłoński. The Evangelical Reformed Parish teaches religion to children. They have Sunday school. They also teach lessons before confirmation. A two-year course is offered after confirmation. The parish ministry also caters to foreign nationals. They serve Chinese and Vietnamese people.
The Evangelical Reformed Parish operates several musical groups. These include the Chamber Choir of the Reformed Evangelical Church. The Concerto Polacco orchestra also performs. The Sine Nomine choir performs classical works.
The Evangelical Reformed Parish in Warsaw stands as a symbol. It represents faith, resilience, and community. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.