evangelický kostel v Křišťanovicích Church

The evangelical church in Christenovice in Bruntálsk was a new building from 1921, which disappeared in 2002 after controversial demolition. The object was an example of historism. His fate was closely linked to the transformation of religious life in the region and the gradual decaying of monuments under the communist regime.

The history of the evangelical community extends deeper than the church itself. In 1782, local believers built their first prayer house, even without official permission. Although they faced difficulties because of this, the building remained in the village and in the 19th century was extended to the tower. The emergence of a new shrine in 1921 falls into the period of the first Czechoslovak Republic, when the state was dealing with national and religious diversity in post-war Europe. The foundation stone was laid by the representatives of the German Evangelical Church and the building was completed within two years.

The architectural church followed the tradition of an older prayer house. After World War II, the Object was taken over by the Choir of the Czech Brotherhood Church Evangelical in Bruntále. Internal equipment was destroyed in 1960 by agricultural temporary workers from Ostrava. In 1971, the church was rented by the Czechoslovak state property, which used it as a store of grain and spare parts. In 1988, the evangelists donated the building to the farms.

After 1989, the building became the property of the Land Fund. When the fund tried to transfer the church to the village, the council, headed by Mayor Eva Švevdiková, refused to take over. In 2002, an agreement was concluded between the Land Fund and the Monuments, according to which the church was to be preserved after removing the roof and sawing the plaster. These works were carried out in June 2002, but subsequently the municipal council voted for demolition. In September 2002 the church was demolished by the Land Fund in direct conflict with the agreement with the monuments. The demolition occurred despite the fact that the perimeter masonry was in good technical condition. The cost of liquidation exceeded CZK 2 million; This amount is estimated to be sufficient for temporary roofing and the preservation of the monument.

Today there is no historical construction at the site of the church in Christenovice. The fate of this building remains a reminder of the loss of cultural heritage due to administrative decisions and insufficient care. Visiting the village in the foothills of Low Jeseník can serve as an incentive to reflect on the value of historical buildings and the consequences of their demise for local identity.