HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT PLACE

The quaint village of Loučky offers not only beautiful natural vistas but also insight into significant events from Czech history.

This region is closely connected to the history of the Unity of the Brethren, an ancient Czech Reformation church. This church gave rise to notable figures such as Jan Blahoslav, Jan Jessenius, Jan Amos Komenský, and many others. The Unity of the Brethren was founded in 1457 and played a crucial role in promoting education, healthcare, social care, and the expansion of printing. Blahoslav’s Czech grammar, Czech hymnals he compiled, and the publication of the Kralice Bible were essential contributions for preserving the Czech language during challenging times. The Unity carried this approach to other countries, advocating for education, trades, individual skills, and the preservation of native languages.
Seal of Johanka Kraiger of Kraig and her husband on a document from 1503. (left) Photo: SOkA Ml. Boleslav, Archive of the City of Ml. Boleslav, sign. IAa10
Václav Budovec of Budov, portrait by Josef Scheiwl. (right)
Photo: Moravian Church in Pictures, 1957

Now, let’s return to the view from this bench: Directly below Loučky, you can see the Jizera River valley, extending not only to Turnov but all the way to Mnichovo Hradiště. The towns of Mladá Boleslav and Benátky lies behind the hills, beyond our view. This region was ruled by devout lords from Cimburk, Šelmberk, and especially Johanka Kraiger of Kraig, a widow who resided in Hrubý Rohozec Castle (visible from the bench). Thanks to them, this area became a significant center for the Unity’s work.

The town of Mnichovo Hradiště (to the right of the ridge on the left side), reminds us of Václav Budovec z Budova, a pre-White Mountain politician and co-author of the Letter of Majesty (1609), which promised a certain religious freedom in Czech kingdom. However, war broke out between Protestants and Catholics and the unfortunate Battle of White Mountain in 1620 resulted in defeat for the protestant forces. All free non-Catholic believers were forced to leave the country unless they betrayed their faith and adopted Catholicism. The infamous Old Town Square execution of 1621 led to the demise of Budovec and 26 other leaders of the Protestant uprising. Beyond the orchards (from the bench’s view), you’ll find the village of Besedice, and above it lies the famous rock labyrinth called Kalich, where secret gatherings took place for those unable to go into exile.
The Moravian congregation in Turnov at the beginning of the 20th century. Photo: Archiv Jednoty bratrské

A century later, in the memorable year 1727, the Unity of the Brethren was revived. Exiles from our country, primarily from Moravia, secretly fled with their families to Saxony and founded the town of Herrnhut, where the Unity was reborn. Many of these people later became missionaries worldwide (in Central and South America, Greenland, North America, Africa, the Baltic region, Russia, India, etc.). Because a significant portion of the exiles came from Moravia, the Unity is known as the Moravian Church all over the world.
Jan Dušek among children (left). Photo: Archiv Jednoty bratrské. František Hořák in uniform (right). Photo: Loučky municipality.

It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century, after the Protestant Patent (1861), that the Unity could return to our country. The renewed Unity began its work in this region in 1897 (Turnov) and directly in Loučky in 1920 when Jan Dušek was sent as a religion teacher to the local school (standing among his students in the photograph). Later, he became a preacher. During World War II, Unity members in Loučky actively participated in the resistance. In 1943, the highly esteemed headmaster of local school František Hořák paid the highest price. In 1944, a Unity congregation with 533 members was established in Loučky. The land you are standing on was purchased with plans for a large prayer hall (the prayer hall plan is in the image). Unfortunately, the communist coup prevented its construction.
On this site, a Moravian congregation house was supposed to be built according to this design by architect F. Dvořák. Photo: Archiv Jednoty bratrské

Today, the Unity of the Brethren operates across various locations in the Czech Republic. It runs community and family centres, clubs, and support services for youth and seniors. It establishes secondary, primary, and nursery schools and provides social and healthcare services. In favor of these activities, it also develops various church business. Its densest network of activities is found right here in the Liberec Region. Therefore, the Unity of the Brethren has also established this memorial site in this area as a tribute to its followers who have already ascended to the “upper congregation,” as members of the Unity of the Brethren traditionally referred to heaven.