Przedwojenne dzieje katolickiej parafii w Olsztynku

Until the middle of the 19th century, the Catholic population of Olsztynek and its surrounding areas belonged to the Culm diocese. As a result of the decree of the Holy See of 1859, this area was incorporated into the Warmia diocese. The development of ministry was initiated in 1866 by the rector of Gryźliny. A ministry institution was established in Olsztynek in 1868. The first priest responsible for the religious life of the Catholics in this area was Julius Albrecht. After his death in 1878, there was no Catholic priest in Olsztynek for more than 5 years, due to the Kulturkampf. Olsztynek was given the rights of a mission parish in 1870. One of the main problems of the local community was the venue. The services were held in a chapel whose size did not correspond to the increasing number of Catholics. Therefore, in 1885 it was decided that a church should be built. Thanks to the initiative and consistent attitude of the priest Paul Jedzink, sufficient funds were collected to start the building works. The foundation stone of the new temple was laid on 10th November 1886, and the consecration took place on 26th September 1888. For a few years, building debts were paid. Olsztynek was given the rights of an ordinary parish in 1895. During the World War I, the church bells were requisitioned. The church was also damaged as a result of an artillery attack, but necessary repairs were made after the war. The roof was covered with copper sheet and new bells were cast. The number of parishioners increased constantly, from 520 in 1868 to 1637 in 1938. In the area of the parish, numerous associations and religious organisations were active. In order to carry out the building investments, there were endeavours to obtain funds from outside the parish, most of all from the Saint Boniface and Adalbert Association.