Evangelical-Augsburg Parish in Zabrze

The Evangelical-Augsburg Parish in Zabrze, established in 1873, has a rich history that reflects the development of Protestantism in Upper Silesia. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when Reformation ideas began spreading throughout the region. The parish's growth was halted by the Counter-Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, which led to the near-complete disappearance of Protestantism in Zabrze by the 18th century. The population growth in the early 19th century, driven by industrial development in the region, contributed to the revival of the Evangelical community. The first church, the Church of Peace, was consecrated in 1874, and its architecture reflects the Neo-Gothic style typical of that period. The parish developed dynamically, introducing educational and charitable activities and organizing various forms of support for its members, including deaconess stations and choirs. In the 20th century, due to the plebiscite and World War II, the parish faced numerous challenges, including the loss of members due to emigration. After the war, the parish underwent reconstruction and a return to cultural traditions, as well as the establishment of new branches, such as those in Mikulczyce and Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Today, the parish administers three cemeteries and is actively involved in cultural, educational, and diaconal activities, offering therapies for children and support for the elderly. Interestingly, despite numerous difficulties, such as wartime destruction, the parish managed to adapt to the changing reality and preserve its identity, becoming an important place for the Evangelical community in the region. Currently, the Church of Peace in Zabrze, the church in Mikulczyce, and the branch in Kędzierzyn-Koźle play significant roles as centers of religious and social life, with their activities focused on community integration and the promotion of Evangelical values.