Its roof could collapse. This historic building in Jastrzębie-Zdrój needs help

A historic building in Jastrzębie-Zdrój needs help. It is the historic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The roof over the sanctuary is in a very poor condition and requires urgent replacement. The cost of the work has been estimated at around 3.5 million zlotys. The parish has launched a fundraising campaign for this purpose, as it is unable to finance the renovation from its own resources.

The historic complex of the former spa

The complex of three historic buildings on 1 Maja Street is one of the most important remnants of the former spa. It comprises the former Maria Sanatorium, now the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St Joseph’s House, used by the Borromean Sisters, and the House of the Guardian Angels. All three buildings were entered in the register of historic monuments in 1993. The history of the complex began in 1891, when Dr Witczak’s foundation established a sanatorium here for Catholic children. The centre was quickly expanded to include two wings, a dining hall, baths and residential buildings. At its peak, it accommodated around 1,000 children a year. During the Second World War, the House of the Guardian Angels was taken over by the Hitler Youth, who set up a driving school there. In 1951, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was consecrated in the former Maria Sanatorium; it had been built on the site of the chapel.

A historic monument in Jastrzębie-Zdrój steeped in history

The church holds an important place in the region’s history. In 2000, the original Jastrzębie Agreement was discovered here. This was an agreement signed on 3 September 1980 in Jastrzębie-Zdrój between striking workers from the Silesian mines and representatives of the then authorities of the People’s Republic of Poland. Historic artefacts from the days of the former sanatorium have also been preserved: a monstrance, chalices, ciboria and a wooden sculpture of Christ with children. After the war, the buildings were taken over by various institutions, and after 1989, responsibility for the complex once again fell to the parish. Thanks to the support of the parishioners, the City of Jastrzębie-Zdrój and the JSW Foundation, work was carried out including the drainage and reinforcement of the foundations, and the replacement of plaster, flooring and installations. In 2021, a grant from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage enabled the roof over the west wing to be renovated. However, applications for further grants submitted between 2022 and 2025 were unsuccessful.

The roof could lead to a disaster

The most urgent problem with the building is the roof over the east wing, which is the sacred part. An expert report prepared by a professor at the Silesian University of Technology indicates that the entire wooden roof truss, roof boarding and guttering must be replaced. When it rains, water seeps into the interior of the church and damages the historic rooms, whilst in strong winds there is a risk of roof tiles falling. The tragic condition of the roof could lead to a structural collapse and pose a danger to people in the vicinity.

The historic building in Jastrzębie-Zdrój needs 3.5 million zlotys

The cost of a major renovation has been estimated at around 3.5 million zł. This is a sum that the parish is unable to raise through regular donations. A public fundraising campaign has therefore been launched on the Pomagam.pl portal. The organisers are appealing for support from anyone wishing to help preserve the historic church and the former spa complex in Jastrzębie-Zdrój. Every donation brings the start of the works a step closer – works which, given the current situation, are urgent.

You can find the link to the fundraiser HERE

Source: pomagam.pl, nspj-jastrzebie.com

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