St. Peter and Paul Church in Gulcz

The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Gulcz is a Catholic parish church located on the northern edge of the Notecka Forest. Its history dates back to before World War II, when a chapel dedicated to Christ the King, housed in a former inn, served as the local church. After the war, in 1950, construction of a new church began under the guidance of parish priest Father Bernard Woltman. It was completed in 1953 according to a design by architect Franciszek Morawski, in a style reminiscent of Neo-Romanesque architecture, featuring a distinctive octagonal tower. The cornerstone was brought from Poznań Cathedral, which is also dedicated to St. Peter and Paul. The church was consecrated on June 28, 1953, by Archbishop Walenty Dymek. The interior furnishings, including the altar, were designed by Józef Pade. A side altar houses a valuable late Baroque painting of the Holy Family from around 1780, originating from the Bernardine church in Wschowa. The stained-glass windows, created in 1952 by Stanisław Powalisz, add artistic richness to the interior. Another notable feature is a crucifix in the vestibule, carved by folk artist W. Kubiś in the early 20th century. Next to the entrance stands a column with a sculpture of St. Lawrence from 1953, and on the façade, a plaque commemorates Father Bernard Woltman, the builder of the church, who served as parish priest from 1949 to 1972. In 2011, a memorial stone was placed near the column in honor of Father Józef Dymała, who was parish priest from 1983 to 2010. The church in Gulcz is an important part of the local culture and history, having witnessed numerous social and religious events in the region.