“Another church?” you might ask. But Église Saint-Alphonse in Halluin has a unique story. It involves an exiled priest and a determined community.
Église Saint-Alphonse stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. Its history is deeply intertwined with Abbé Alphonse-Marie Coulon. He was a Belgian priest with a French connection.
In the 1880s, Abbé Coulon saw a need. The Mont d’Halluin’s population was growing. Residents had to travel miles to the Saint-Hilaire church. Abbé Coulon started a school for girls. He also built a chapel. Here he celebrated mass.
But this was a time of anti-clericalism. The prefect of the Nord expelled Abbé Coulon from France. He returned in 1889. Coulon proved his French ancestry. The prefect closed the chapel on Sundays. This was except for the schoolgirls.
Undeterred, Abbé Coulon raised private funds. He wanted to build a proper church. The prefect blocked municipal subsidies. Finally, with his inheritance, he started construction. This was after years of legal battles.
Église Saint-Alphonse was completed in 1897. It is built from bricks. A presidential decree authorized public worship there. Its 45-meter-high bell tower was added in 1910. Fifteen meters of that is the spire.
The Église Saint-Alphonse is built in the Neo-Gothic style. It follows a Latin cross plan. A tall glass window brightens the facade.
Église Saint-Alphonse no longer has its own priest since 1990. It now belongs to the Notre-Dame de la Lys parish.
The story of Église Saint-Alphonse is inspiring. It shows how faith and determination can overcome obstacles. Abbé Coulon’s legacy lives on in this beautiful church. It is a focal point for the community of Halluin. It is a testament to their enduring spirit.