Rumy – a linear village with a Baptist history

Rumy combines an unusually elongated settlement with a distinctive local Baptist history. Lakes, forests and fields shape the landscape; historic buildings and cemeteries reflect several eras. You can get to know the village through both its Masurian surroundings and its own development.

A long linear village in Masuria

Rumy is one of the longest linear villages in Masuria. Its buildings stretch for almost three kilometres, forming a ribbon through a landscape of lakes, forests and fields. The settlement’s layout and its surroundings are closely connected: the village’s length is as distinctive as the nature around it. If you are planning a stay in Masuria, Rumy offers a concrete glimpse of an elongated village layout rather than a compact settlement.

Baptist history spanning generations

The history of the Baptist congregation in Rumy dates back to the mid-19th century. In 1857, the first Baptist baptismal service in Masuria was held here. In 1861, the region’s first Baptist congregation was founded in Rumy. These were two distinct milestones: first the baptismal service, then the founding of the congregation. By 1878, it had 1,300 members from 80 localities. These figures show that the congregation at the time extended beyond Rumy.

The surviving buildings are also part of the village’s history. The former Baptist chapel dates from 1863–1864 and now serves as a village community centre. The Baptist prayer house in Rumy was built in 1864 and is still standing. Both buildings date from the same early phase in the development of the Baptist congregation in Rumy.

Cemeteries and personal memories

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, and their state of preservation varies. Friedrich Wilhelm Kottke, the first pastor of the Baptist congregation in Rumy, and his wife Auguste are also buried there. The cemetery also contains the grave of an unknown Russian soldier from the First World War. In a small area, the history of the congregation, families and war stand side by side.

Behind Rumy, two former 19th-century Protestant cemeteries have also survived, though parts of them are in a heavily dilapidated state. The Protestant cemetery south of the village contains the graves of three residents who died in late August 1914. These burial places add other local memories from the 19th and early 20th centuries to the Baptist history.

Activities associated with the accommodation

Szczęśliwe Siedlisko in Rumy offers guests horseback walks and cycling.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Rudziska Pasymskie, Wielbark, Kobylocha, Bialy Grunt, Świętajno, Rozogi, Lipowa Góra Wschodnia, Piasutno

To the main travel overview: Szczycieński.