Slupsku Poland
[Roman Catholic/Lutheran]
The church was founded in the 13th century, next to the Premonstratensian monastery. It was orignally the private church of Prince Svatopluk. The present brick church replaced the earlier wooden one after Teutonic Knights burned the town in 1308. Around the time of the Reformation the church, and town, became Protestant. A fire destroyed the church and monastery complex in 1665, leaving only the masonry walls. in 1673 a roof was put over the walls to protect the ruins; funds were lacking for further renovation. The building was renovated in 1737, becoming a garrison church. After the regiment left, the church became a warehouse and coach house. Russian troops used it for accommodation and as a church from 1759 to 1760. It was then used as a warehouse and fire station, causing collapse and further disrepair. Renovated again in 1772 it was a school and dormitory for students. In 1819 buttresses were added to strengthen the wall and an elementary school operated here until 1820. A girls school operated from 1882 until 1926. It then became a school for developmentally handicapped children. In 1945 the occupying Red Army burned the church and much of the town. In 1965 the building was converted for use as a public library, opening in 1971.