Marvel at the story of faith and resilience embodied in \u00c9glise Saint-Lambert. This church is a treasure of the community. It stands as a symbol of preserved memory.
\u00c9glise Saint-Lambert has undergone several restorations over the centuries. Yet it remains a place of worship. The church is remarkable for more than one reason. It holds the greatest heritage treasures of the town.
Beneath its appearance as an old building with simple but strong lines lies a hidden beauty. Construction began in the 11th century. Its splendor is revealed once you pass through the heavy wooden door. The choir dates back to the 12th century. In 1560 the bell tower was heightened. The bells date from the 16th century.
A part of \u00c9glise Saint-Lambert was destroyed in 1894 due to humidity. A large nave and two smaller naves were rebuilt. These three naves make it unique. Among its treasures you can admire several historical objects.
There is a Virgin from the 13th century. You can see an ostensory from the 18th century. Admire a processional cross from the 15th century. The altarpiece and its panels date from the 16th century. Specifically, they are from 1548. This is a major piece for the town. It is listed as a historical monument.
Around 1830 the Count du Maisniel bought this work. He was the last noble of Wattignies. He acquired it from a Lille antique dealer. He installed it in the chapel of the nobles in \u00c9glise Saint-Lambert. His ancestors rested here. He donated it to the parish. Its first restoration dates from 1934.
This altarpiece is typical of Antwerp altarpieces. It represents scenes of the Passion of Christ. These include the condemnation and the flagellation. Also shown is the Crowning with Thorns. The Carrying of the Cross is depicted. See the Crucifixion and the Entombment. The Samaritaine is there too. So is the Temptation of Christ. The Baptism of Christ and the Multiplication of the Loaves are included. Finally, there is the Transfiguration.
There is a copy dated 1844 of the painting of Sainte Am\u00e9lie. Paul Delaroche painted it for King Louis-Philippe. The original canvas was used to create a stained glass window. This window is in the chapel of the ch\u00e2teau d’Eu in Normandy. The Count of Wattignies requested a copy of the painting from the King. He wanted to honor his daughter-in-law Am\u00e9lie.
\u00c9glise Saint-Lambert acquired the Pascal organ on January 7 2000. The town provided it. The building was completely renovated in the 2000s. This was done according to the rules of art. The Municipality and the Parish Committee co-financed it. The roof, the walls of the nave and the lighting were renovated.
The clarity of its color and the strength of its lines should catch your eye. The renovation that \u00c9glise Saint-Lambert underwent a few years ago rejuvenated it dramatically. The first stones of the building date from the 12th century. The tower and its bell tower were built in 1560. The three naves were rebuilt in 1854. In the following century further work was done.
The choir is remarkable for its style and age. Members of the historical monuments commission believe it dates from the 12th century. At that time Gothic style had not reached its perfection.
Remember to go up the right side aisle to admire the listed altarpiece. It is the main decoration of this church. The altarpiece is dated 1588. It is typical of workshops in that city. Unfortunately it was largely looted twenty years ago.
Antoine Pascal rebuilt the organ. He made slight adjustments in harmony. These were essential because of the change of location. There are also wooden statues to note. Plaques commemorate the lords of the castle.
\u00c9glise Saint-Lambert is open on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm. Step inside. Let yourself be captivated by its timeless beauty and rich history. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith.