Historical Heritage and the Connection with Latvia
The Būtingė Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of the oldest and most significant sacred sites on the Lithuanian coast, located near Šventoji. Its history is deeply intertwined with Latvia; historically, the Būtingė parish (originally known as the Šventoji parish) functioned as a branch of the Rucava parish in Latvia. It was only in 1921, following a territorial exchange between Latvia and Lithuania, that the parish became an independent part of the Lithuanian Lutheran Church. For many years, Latvian pastors served the congregation, and even today, Latvian hymns can be heard during services, preserving the unique cultural and historical heritage of the border region.
Architecture and Rebirth
The current stone building is the fifth church to stand on this site; previous wooden structures were destroyed over the centuries or literally washed away into the sea by powerful storms and floods. The present church was built in the Neo-Classical style between 1822 and 1824. Interestingly, the funds for its construction were granted by Tsar Alexander I of Russia after the pastor of Rucava personally presented him with a petition. The architecture is modest yet monumental, featuring a distinctive square tower that was added later in 1866.
Notable Treasures
The pride of the church is its authentic organ, which is listed in the Register of Cultural Property of Lithuania. In the churchyard, a symbolic oak cross stands with four dates engraved upon it, representing the four previous, lost churches of Šventoji, thus honoring the continuous spiritual history of the site. In 2024, the church celebrated its 200th anniversary since consecration, marking the milestone in a beautifully restored state following extensive renovation works.