In the depths of the Rąbin forest, on brick foundations, there is a small wooden chapel, built in the Zakopane style. Built on a stone foundation, the chapel has a log construction and protruding remnants. The roof was originally covered with shingles, and after restoration in 1989 it was covered with tiles. There are two windows in the side walls. The chapel was built on the site of a tragic accident that took place during a hunt on January 15, 1909. Zygmunt Chłapowski, the owner of Turew, while checking his gun, accidentally shot his cousin and friend Kazimierz Mańkowski from Brodnica, who died when he was only 26 years old. In the same year, Zygmunt Chłapowski decided to fund a chapel. On June 20, 1909, the cornerstone was laid, consecrated by the then parish priest of the Rąbin parish - Father Julian Cichowski.
In the Rąbin forests belonging to the Kościan Forest District, Turew Forest District, about 4 km northwest of the center of the village of Rąbin (Krzywiń commune, Kościan district, Wielkopolska province) stands a small wooden chapel commemorating one of the most tragic events in the history of the Chłapowski families from Turwia and the Mańkowski families from Brodnica.
On January 15, 1909, during a deer hunt (the forests at that time abounded in wild game), an unfortunate accident occurred. Zygmunt Chłapowski, who was the organizer of the meeting, divided the hunters' positions so that he could stand next to his relative Kazimierz Mańkowski. During the final preparations, when the hunters were already going to their designated positions, Chłapowski was probably checking his weapon once again when it unexpectedly went off. Due to an unfortunate coincidence, at the same moment Mańkowski steps into the line of fire, fatally shot after receiving the last sacraments, he dies, having lived less than 26 years. This is a huge tragedy for both families, and especially for Zygmunt Chłapowski himself, who as soon as he notices what has happened, flees into the forest and wants to commit suicide. Miraculously, he is dissuaded from this intention and brought back to the place.
The distraught Chłapowski, who was considered a very religious man, decides that same year to commemorate his tragically deceased cousin to found a chapel at the place where he died. On June 20, 1909, the cornerstone is laid, consecrated by the then parish priest of the Rąbin parish - Father Julian Cichowski. The chapel was built of larch wood in the Zakopane style. Its design was the work of the architect Wróblewski from Zakopane. The construction work was supervised by Chłapowski's trusted forester, Mr. Berliński, who came from Turwia.
From the notes of Fr. Cichiwskiego: "The cornerstone was consecrated by Rev. Rev. Cichowski on June 20, 1909, and consecrated on January 15, 1910. Made entirely of wood, covered inside with planks; the cornice under the ceiling is decorated with a frieze; the three beams connecting under the ceiling above the altar are decorated with hand carving; the modest but very tasteful altar made of oak wood was made by the carpenter Hysznski from Turwia. On the altar stands a 1.50 m high Cross with the image of the Lord Jesus carved from wood. In the altar there is a portal consecrated by JW. F. K. bishop Dr. Likowski from Poznań. The altar accessories are all and sufficient. The external appearance of the Chapel is also very well presented, strictly adhering to the Zakopane patterns. All work on the construction of the Chapel was carried out by the forester Mr. Brelinski from Turwia."
A year after the tragic events of January 15, 1910, the first mass was held in the chapel for the late Kazimierz Mańkowski. Later, masses were held there only at the request of members of the Chłapowski family. After the war, May services were held there, and for several years, a tradition has become the organized mass on May 3, associated with patriotic celebrations, organized by the village heads of the Krzywiń Commune.
Although the chapel survived the war in a practically intact condition, it unfortunately did not withstand the passage of time.
In 1990, the Kościan Forest District commissioned its renovation. At that time, the leaking roof and the walls destroyed by vandals were repaired, and the kneelers and altar were also renovated. The gaps were filled and the wooden elements were preserved, windows and a metal grille were installed in the entrance door.
Although the chapel has not been entered into the register of monuments to this day, in 2004, registration cards were created for the movable monuments in it - the crucifix, altar and doors.
The chapel can be reached by car, but due to the fact that it is accessed via a dirt road, mostly running through the forest, it is best to visit it on a bicycle trip.
Translated by Google •
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