Stands the church Sainte-Croix de Lyon. This unassuming facade holds a story of faith. It also tells of resilience in the heart of Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement.
The \u00c9glise Sainte-Croix de Lyon might appear wedged between buildings. But its history fills a significant gap in Lyon’s religious timeline. Don’t mistake it for the ancient Sainte-Croix. That one was part of Lyon’s cathedral group. It vanished during the Revolution. This is its successor.
Abbé Reuil envisioned this church in 1873. That year marked the parish’s creation. Construction began in 1874. François Boiron was the architect. He chose a neo-Gothic style. This was popular at the time.
Imagine Abbé Reuil. He faced a daunting debt of 480,000 Francs. But he was determined. By his death in 1884, the debt was cleared. A new church stood completed. It was fully paid for. This is a testament to the community’s dedication.
Notice the three doors on the facade. They welcome you into a modest nave. Two side aisles offer space for contemplation. The Sainte-Croix is a typical parish church. It served the working-class neighborhoods.
Inside, the church retains its original master altar. Also, there are two lateral altars. One is dedicated to the Virgin. It is next to the Sacred Heart. Two angels surround it. Fabisch worked with Émile Millefaut on this around 1875.
Above, a carillon of 14 bells rings out. Burdin gifted these. He was a manufacturer on the same street. Perhaps the bells weren’t perfectly tuned. Still, they were a generous gift.
Sunlight streams through the apse’s stained-glass windows. P. Brérat of Lyon created these in 1926. These vitraux depict the Resurrection. Angels carry symbols of the Passion.
The \u00c9glise Sainte-Croix de Lyon was soon equipped with an organ. The current instrument dates to 1929. Manufacture Michel, Merklin and Kuhn of Lyon built it. It features 25 stops. These are spread over two keyboards and a pedalboard. The console is separate. It uses pneumatic transmission. Dunand of Villeurbanne restored it in 1975.
Two stained-glass windows illuminate the organ. One portrays David. The parish adopted the name Sainte-Croix. It honored a demolished church near the cathedral. This connects it to Lyon’s deep history.
Step inside \u00c9glise Sainte-Croix de Lyon. Consider the dedication of Abbé Reuil. Remember the community’s commitment. See the artistry in the altars. Listen for the echoes of the carillon. The \u00c9glise Sainte-Croix de Lyon is more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of faith. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of Lyon.