“Ready to explore a church born from rapid growth?” u00c9glise Notre-Dame de l’Immaculu00e9e Conception stands here. It embodies faith and community spirit.
In 1899, Schiltigheim saw its first Catholic church consecrated. It was named Sainte Famille de Nazareth. The city then had 10700 residents. By 1936, the population more than doubled to 22000. This surge prompted the need for a new place of worship.
Curu00e9 Robein of Ste Famille parish sought land for this purpose. The area west of the railway seemed ideal. A new district was emerging along the Route de Brumath. In the 1950s, parishioners of Ste Famille rallied. Their generosity and Curu00e9 Keller’s drive secured a 50-are plot near the Route de Brumath.
Architects were contacted. They submitted plans to the Commission d’Art Sacru00e9. Many proposals faced rejection. After much deliberation, the Haentzler firm’s designs gained approval. This happened on December 8, 1953. The day marked the opening of the Annu00e9e Mariale.
Activity surged from May 1954. A dozen regional firms established the foundations. On September 12, 1954, Mgr Neppel laid the first stone. He was the vicar general and former curu00e9 of Ste Famille.
Interior design and decoration took nearly two years. Artists were invited in late 1956 to compete for the chu0153ur’s mural. Paul Rovarino of Paris won. Michel Madrelle designed the altar and candelabras. He also created the side altar in stone. It was dedicated to Ste Hu00e9lu00e8ne.
After years of work, the sanctuary was ready. Mgr Jean Julien Weber consecrated the altar and church on May 8, 1957. He transferred relics of Saints Prosper and Fortunat. In 1958, Abbu00e9 Charles Ruch became the community’s spiritual leader.
Two more years passed before u00c9glise de l’Immaculu00e9e Conception became a parish. On June 15, 1960, the Bishop of Strasbourg signed a decree. It took effect on August 1. This officially created the parish Notre Dame de l’Immaculu00e9e Conception. Abbu00e9 Charles RUSCH became its first full-time pastor.
Events unfolded rapidly. A men’s choir formed in August 1959. The Conseil de Fabrique was created in August 1960. The organ was inaugurated on Easter 1960. In 1963, the presbytery opened on Rue Klu00e9ber. Abbu00e9 Charles Ruch resided there until 1999. In October 1999, Pu00e8re Louis Schmuck became the new guide.
Since its creation, u00c9glise Notre-Dame de l’Immaculu00e9e Conception has fostered many priests and a bishop, Mgr Christian Kratz. This highlights its spiritual vitality.
The church united with Ste Famille parish in 2004. Together, they formed the Communautu00e9 de paroisses Schiltigheim-Citu00e9 des Brasseurs. Ste Hu00e9lu00e8ne became their patron saint.
Cu00e9lu00e9brer, annoncer et servir reflects the spirit of its leaders. Apostolic and charitable movements form the backbone of this parish.
As you stand before u00c9glise Notre-Dame de l’Immaculu00e9e Conception remember its story. It began with population growth and the dedicated community.