Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe

Why did the people of Bellecombe need their own church? The elegant Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe stands before us, a testament to the determination of a community. Imagine Lyon in the late 19th century. The working-class residents of Bellecombe faced a long trek to Sainte-Anne de Baraban for Sunday service. Sainte-Anne de Baraban no longer exists. It has been replaced by the Église du Sacré-Cœur. The parishioners of Bellecombe, many of them poor laborers, petitioned for a local church. Their requests fell on deaf ears until a generous gift from the Serre family in 1885. This donation, commemorated by a plaque within the church’s right chapel, enabled the purchase of land and the start of construction. Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe arose between 1886 and 1897, a symbol of community perseverance. The parishioners cleverly formed an association to oversee the project. This protected the Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe from expropriation laws targeting religious buildings during that era. The church we see today showcases a stunning neo-Gothic style. A single door graces the façade, flanked by lancet windows and crowned by a beautiful rose window. Inside, two side chapels await exploration. The left chapel houses a statue of Saint Joseph, crafted by the artist Cartex. The church’s tall, slender bell tower, a prominent landmark, stands as a curious blend of architectural intent and political maneuvering. Originally planned for the façade, anti-clerical authorities forced a last-minute redesign, relocating it to the east end. The tower, while lacking a summital cross, boasts an array of gargoyles. Look closely at the vibrant stained-glass windows. Created by Pasquier-Sarrazin in 1901, they depict scenes from the life of Christ. The same year, a magnificent Merklin organ was installed, its melodies filling the newly consecrated space. The Église Notre-Dame de Bellecombe stands as a symbol of community spirit and resilience. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of collective action.