In 1877 a cornerstone was laid. This marked the beginning of the Église Saint-Maclou’s construction. It replaced the older Église de la Trinité. That church was located where the current town hall stands.
The Église Saint-Maclou is a significant landmark in Lille’s history. Its neo-Gothic style is striking. The church’s construction lasted until 1878. It was built by the architect Jean-Baptiste Cordonnier and his son Louis-Marie. They used Vergelé stone and royal bench stone from Oise. The interior walls are mostly plaster. The building materials are a mix of brick and stone. Some of the stone is reclaimed.
A tragic event shaped the city’s identity. In December 1566 Protestant refugees sought shelter. They hid in the Église de la Trinité during the Wars of Religion. Catholic troops set the church ablaze. Many Protestants perished jumping from the bell tower. This episode is still remembered. The city commemorates it yearly during the Fête des Berlouffes.
The Église Saint-Maclou has undergone extensive restoration. The exterior was renovated from 2004 to 2011. This included the 2100 square meters of roofing. The interior restoration of the choir chapel Saint-Maclou and the Notre-Dame de Lourdes chapel finished in 2018. The church continues to face challenges. Dry rot fungus attacks the wooden structures. More work is needed in the nave and transept.
The restoration work is ongoing. It involves cleaning and applying coatings to the walls. The church serves both religious and cultural events. This includes guided tours and concerts. The church also hosts school visits and art competitions. The church’s restoration is a community effort. It involves the city the parish and the restoration association.
The Église Saint-Maclou is more than a building. It’s a symbol of resilience and community spirit. It showcases the talent of several artists. The main altar is from the Anversois sculptor Verlinden. The stained glass windows are by Ernest Haussaire. These elements enhance the beauty of the church’s architecture. The Église Saint-Maclou stands as a testament to Lille’s rich past and its vibrant present. The church’s story is one of survival perseverance and community involvement.