More than a century after the completion of the monumental Temple of Mercy and Love in Plock, erected between 1911 and 1914 as the centre of the Mariavite movement, the cathedral is once again regaining its former splendour. Although, for the time being, only partially. In mid-October, restoration work was completed on the back façade of the cathedral – plaster, woodwork and stairs were restored, and the walls were protected against damp.
The completed work included the horizontal insulation of the walls, the installation of flashings, as well as the restoration of the plasterwork and painting of the façade. Another important element was the damp-proofing and restoration of the stairs leading up to the church. Specialists also took care of the balustrades, the balcony over the porch, the entrance door and the window joinery. As a result, the rear part of the monumental building was restored to its former glory and protected from degradation.
A temple with a unique history
The Temple of Mercy and Love, which is the cathedral of the Old Catholic Mariavite Church, is one of the most distinctive religious buildings in Plock. Its construction began in 1911 and was completed three years later. The project was designed by Archbishop Jan Maria Michał Kowalski, a leader and reformer of the Mariavites. The monumental volume combines sacred, residential and administrative functions and is accompanied by monastery wings and gardens.
The temple was established as the centre of the Mariavite movement, initiated in 1893 by the revelations of Sister Mary Francesca Kozlowska. Initially, the Mariavites used a chapel set up in a manor house they had purchased, but soon decided to build a new cathedral, which remains the main seat of the community to this day.
This is how the façade looks today:
This is how the building looked BEFORE the works started:
Importance of conservation work
Although only the rear façade has been restored, these measures are important for preserving the integrity of the entire establishment. Protecting the walls from damp and restoring the architectural details not only improves the aesthetics, but above all protects the historic substance from further deterioration. The building itself is an architectural gem and, restored, can confidently attract tourists to the city.
The project was made possible thanks to a special-purpose subsidy from the state budget at the disposal of the Mazovian Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer. In addition to the funds for the completed works, MWKZ also provided funding for a structural and construction expert opinion, a mycological expert opinion and tests for dampness and salinity in the ceilings. This documentation will be used to prepare the renovation of the roof of the main building that is part of the temple and monastery complex.
source: Mazovian Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer
photos: WUOZ, Delegation in Płock
Read also: Metamorphosis | Sacred architecture | Elevation | History | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
Before renovation and conservation:
After renovation and maintenance:
