Paroisse de Plaisance

The year is 1855. A bustling energy fills the air of the newly-annexed Plaisance quarter in Paris. Amidst the flurry of construction and the arrival of new residents, a man named Henry Paumier, pastor of the Pentemont parish, envisions a spiritual home for the growing Protestant community. This vision would become the Paroisse de Plaisance. The Paroisse de Plaisance, more than just a church, was to be a cornerstone of the community. Paumier, a man of great drive and compassion, wasted no time. He established two Protestant schools, one for boys and one for girls, ensuring that education would be accessible. He then founded an orphanage for girls on Rue du Transit, later moved to Rue Pernety. These acts of generosity cemented the Paroisse de Plaisance’s place in the heart of the neighborhood. Initially, the Paroisse de Plaisance gathered in a temporary location on Rue de l’Ouest. But the congregation grew quickly, and the need for a dedicated space became apparent. Paumier, ever the visionary, had already purchased land for a temple in 1860. The city of Paris, recognizing the significance of his efforts, granted permission for the construction of both a Protestant place of worship and a school. Finally, in 1879, the Paroisse de Plaisance, a testament to the dedication of Pastor Henry Paumier, was inaugurated. It has stood there ever since, a beacon of faith and community.