Is it possible that one of the facade’s columns is incomplete? That is one of the first mysteries that Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame presents to us. This church stands as a remarkable building. However, it isn’t listed among the historical monuments.
Let’s delve into the Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame and uncover its story. The Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame isn’t ancient. Its construction dates back to 1926.
Back on October 17 1918, the German army retreated. They left Linselles. Before leaving they dynamited the old church. The original structure dated back to the 16th century. Imagine the explosion and the chaos. The town had to wait until 1923. That was when the new construction began. Architects Maillard de Tourcoing designed it.
Monseigneur Quillet an archbishop of Lille visited Linselles on October 17 1926. He came to bless the new place of worship. Two thousand people attended the event. The construction faced some hurdles. These were due to financial difficulties. There were issues with war damage payments. In 1925, work stopped for a full year.
The Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame features a single-roof building. A forty-meter-high tower stands detached. It looks like the Italian campaniles. The covered parvis once sheltered horse-drawn carriages. They could drop off passengers out of the elements.
Inside the Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame, a spacious single nave allows everyone to view the altar. Six side chapels are arranged. The stained-glass windows from 1927 are worth a look. Masters David and Plateaux from Lille and Pierre Turpin created them.
Dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin, the Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame once held a painted and gilded statue from the 17th century. It vanished twice. The second time it was gone for good. It’s believed to be part of a private collection now. Only the owner can view it.
The Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame has a renovated organ. This adds to its charm. Cyclists often spot the Linselles tower. It rises forty meters above the plain. It is a landmark. The Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope.
So, as you leave Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame consider its past. Think about the lost statue and the incomplete column. The Église de la Nativité de Notre-Dame is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of resilience.