Rumy – a long street village with a Baptist history

Rumy is one of the longest street villages in Masuria; its buildings extend over almost three kilometres. Its ribbon-like layout runs through a landscape of lakes, forests and fields. The village thus combines a clearly recognisable settlement pattern with a rural setting. Those considering accommodation in Rumy can use this combination as a guide when choosing a destination: the village is known not only for individual historic buildings, but also for its great length and the surrounding landscape.

Baptist history in Masuria

Rumy is also significant for the Baptist history of Masuria. The first Baptist baptismal service in Masuria took place here in 1857; in 1861, the region’s first Baptist congregation was founded in Rumy. These dates mark two distinct steps: the baptismal service and, four years later, the founding of the congregation. In 1878, it comprised 1,300 people from 80 localities. Its history thus spans an early religious event, the founding of the congregation and a later documented community with members from numerous places.

The architectural heritage of Baptist history includes the prayer house built in 1864, which has survived to this day. The former Baptist chapel dates from 1863–1864 and now serves as a village community centre. These dates are shortly after the congregation was founded in 1861. The chapel combines its former religious use with a present-day function serving the village community.

Cemeteries and places of remembrance

The Baptist cemetery in Rumy was established in the mid-19th century for the village’s growing Baptist community. It contains around 20 graves, including several children’s graves; their state of preservation varies. Those buried there include Friedrich Wilhelm Kottke, the first pastor of Rumy’s Baptist congregation, and his wife, Auguste Kottke. The cemetery also contains the grave of an unknown Russian soldier from the First World War.

Behind Rumy, a Baptist cemetery and two former Protestant cemeteries dating from the 19th century have been preserved; some are in a severely dilapidated condition. The Protestant cemetery south of the village contains the graves of three residents who died in late August 1914. The different places of remembrance preserve distinct local histories: the grave of the unknown Russian soldier is in the Baptist cemetery, while the graves of the three residents are in the southern Protestant cemetery. A Protestant cemetery on the road leading out of Rumy towards Dźwierzuty is also part of the village’s history.

Activities and accommodation

Guests at Szczęśliwe Siedlisko in Rumy can enjoy walks with horses and cycling. If either activity is a priority for your trip, you can take it into account when choosing accommodation in Rumy. These activities are offered by Szczęśliwe Siedlisko to its guests.

Discover more destinations: Lipowa Góra Wschodnia, Rozogi, Saplaty, Racibórz, Spychowo, Rańsk, Rudka, Powalczyn.

For the overarching travel guide: Szczycieński.