Lutheran church in Ikšķile

A the beginning of the 1930s, it is decided not to restore the church ruined in the First World War (1915), which was built in 1185 (rebuilt in 1879) on the bank of Daugava, but to build a new church in the centre of Ikšķile, not far from the railway. Land is bought, and architect Pauls Kundziņš wins the project competition.

On June 28, 1931, the foundation stone of the church is laid. Construction costs 48000 lats. During this time the parish, which has 400 members, holds services in the hall of Tīnūži manor.

On November 12, 1933, archbishop Jānis Grīnbergs takes part in the consecration of the church. The author of the altar piece "Dod mums savu svētību, Jēzu!" (Give us your blessing, Jesus!) (5.2 x 2.2 metres) is an Ikšķile resident, professor of the Art Academy of Latvia, Jānis Kuga.

In 1934, a bell created in Karosta (War Port) workshops in Liepāja with the text "Skani mums rītos, skani svētvakaros!" (Ring for us in the mornings, ring in holy eves) is installed in the church tower.

In 1935, not far from the altar, on the North side, a memorial plate for 52 victims fallen in the First World War and the Latvian War of Independence – members of Ikšķile parish, is unveiled.

After the parish stops its operation in the middle of the 60s, the book storage of the National Library is created (1968) in the church building, where it stays until November 5, 1998. The altar piece and service vessels are kept in Rundāle Castle museum.

Since the construction of the church in 1993, 12 priests have worked here. At the time when the book storage was in the church, a second floor was built. The church parish was able to accommodate these premises for exhibitions and concerts. Attracting the funding of European Foundations allowed installing a wheelchair lift, thus making it easier for people with physical disabilities and severe illnesses to enter the church.   

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