Ikšķile Lutheran Church
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Ikšķile Lutheran Church

Ikšķile Lutheran Church

In the early 1930s it was decided that instead of restoring the old church built in 1185 (and rebuilt in 1879) which was destroyed in World War 1 (1915) a new church would instead be built in the centre of Ikšķile, near the railroad. The land is then bought and architect Pauls Kundziņš wins the contest.

The church's cornerstone is placed in July 28, 1931. Construction costs 48 000 LVL. During this time the parish, consisting of 400 members, holds the service in the Tīnūži Manor hall.

In November 12, 1933 the consecration is attended by Archbishop Jānis Grīnbergs. The author of the altar piece Dod mums savu svētību, Jēzu! (Jesus, give us Your blessing!) (5.2m x 2.2 m) is the Ikšķile resident and Art Academy of Latvia professor Jānis Kuga.

In 1934 the church tower becomes home to a bell made in the workshops of Liepāja war port with the inscription "Ring for us in the mornings, ring in the Saturday evenings!”

In 1935 a plaque is placed north of the altar commemorating the 52 victims of World War 1 and the Latvian War of Independence - members of the Ikšķile parish.

In 1938 there are 1200 parish members.

After the church disruption in the mid-60s, the church building is used as the State Library book storage from 1968 to November 5, 1998. The altar piece and consecration tools were stored in Rundāle Palace.
Since 1994, the building has been included in the list of National importance architectural monuments.

In December 24, 1999 the parish returns to the church.
The church repairs and restoration begins in February of 2000. The Archbishop Jānis Vanags consecrates the altar in March 3.
In 2003 the exterior is completely restored.

Since the completion of the church it has been the workplace of 12 pastors. Another floor was built while the church was home to the book storage. The church has been able to adapt these rooms and they currently host exhibits and concerts. With the help of European funding, the church has acquired a wheelchair lift, allowing easier access to the church for people with movement disorders and severe illnesses.

Daugava prospectus 10
Ikskile
tel. +371 65030328
www.ikskile.lv