The Młodzieżowy Dom Kultury "Pod Akacją" (Youth Cultural Centre) in Lublin is located in the building of the old rectory of the now non-existent Church of St. Michael the Archangel. This building is situated in the northeastern part of the Old Town and marks the northern boundary of the Po Farze square. It was once part of the church's surrounding buildings, which included the cemetery and the parish church.
Po Farze Square – read more about on “The Grodzka Gate – NN Theatre” (new window) 👉
🔺Source: Discover Lublin - Inspiration Center
This church was allegedly founded by Leszek Czarny in 1282, according to tradition. The legend says that the Archangel Michael appeared in the prince’s dream and convinced him to attack the hostile Lithuanians and Yotvingians. After the victory, Leszek Czarny founded the church as a votive offering, dedicating it to St. Michael.
The lack of sources makes it impossible to reconstruct the early history of the house – the residence of the parish priest at the parish church.
A devastating fire in 1575 destroyed part of Lublin, including the collegiate and Dominican churches. The church buildings were also burned, including the "original" rectory and the parish school.
🔺"The Fire of Lublin 1575", Author: Sławomir Stasz, source: TeatrNN
The layout of the rectory building, as we know it today (which is uniform and has not undergone major renovations), is well-established in Lublin around the mid-17th century. In the absence of source records, this is the date that is commonly assigned to the creation of the building.
The first archival information about the old rectory dates back to the 19th century. These are detailed descriptions showing the condition of the building in the last decades before the confiscation of parish property by the Lublin Provincial Government.
In 1818, when the Lublin diocese was established, the cathedral chapter initially resided in the Church of St. Michael (until 1832), and later at the Jesuit church (now the cathedral church). The parish buildings were 'leased out,' and only the rectory remained the residence of Bsk. Wojakowski (with the permission of the Chapter).
The Church of St. Michael, abandoned and neglected, was demolished between 1844 and 1852 by order of the Tsarist authorities. The confiscation of the entire property belonging to the parish occurred at the turn of year 1869 and 1870, at which point it became the property of the Treasury of the Kingdom of Poland. Soon after, this property was handed over to the Jewish community, which turned it into a shelter for Jewish children, later known as the 'Jewish Municipal Shelter.'
The rectory remained in the possession of the community until May 9, 1941 (until it was taken over by the occupying authorities), and after the liberation, it was transferred to the ownership of the Lublin City Hall. Between 1944 and 1946, it served as an old age home, while from 1947 to 1970, it housed an orphanage.
On October 1, 1970, the building of the old rectory was transferred to the MDK 'Pod Akacją.'
Today, there is a commemorative plaque on the that was embedded on November 9, 1987, on the 45th anniversary of the liquidation of the Lublin ghetto. The inscription says:
'In this building, between 1862-1942, was located the Jewish Orphanage known as the 'Ochronka.' On March 24, 1942, the Nazis murdered all the children of this home.'
🔺Commemorative plaque, source: TeatrNN
Reflecting on the past tragedy and hoping that it will never be repeated, we can today strive to realize our boldest dreams, live more interesting lives, and achieve a great deal. We warmly invite all young people to join the great MDK family of friends, who have fun, learn, and work in the historic building at Grodzka.
🔺MDK "Pod Akacją", main entrance. Photo: MDK "Pod Akacją" in Lublin 2024
Text by Kamila Śpiewla-Kasperek, teacher of the Art History Workshop and the Art Workshop with Elements of Art History at MDK "Pod Akacją".
English translation: Adrianna Arent
