From whispers to roars, the story of Église Saint-André in Lyon echoes the growth of La Guillotière. Église Saint-André stands as a testament to a community’s unwavering spirit. Its journey began not with grand pronouncements, but with a humble act of giving. In 1845, Adrien Combalot donated land for a church. This initial structure, designed by Jean-Baptiste Ballet, was simple. It was more a chapel than a grand church. The community hoped the city would adopt and expand it. Their offer sparked heated debates. Some saw it as a boon, others a burden and a potential speculation scheme. The council initially refused.
The fledgling Église Saint-André served as a succursal of Saint-Louis. It held its first chemin de croix in 1846. The small council of five reflected the modest size of the parish. Over time, the arguments against adoption grew. The church was too small, poorly built, and unfinished. It leaked, lacked a proper facade, and stood amidst undeveloped streets. The population, however, continued to grow. The unfinished church became a symbol of the community’s needs. Finally, in 1854, after Lyon annexed La Guillotière, the new mayor brought the issue to the forefront. He highlighted the church’s dilapidated state and its inadequacy for the burgeoning population. This renewed appeal, coupled with the completion of surrounding streets, made rebuilding a necessity.
In 1860, Tony Desjardins, a renowned architect, took on the task of rebuilding Église Saint-André. His Gothic design, inspired by the 13th century, aimed for grandeur within the constraints of the parish’s limited funds. Construction progressed in stages, starting with the choir. The old and new structures coexisted for a time. The old church served as a storage area and corridor until its demolition in 1897. Financial woes plagued the project. Desjardins faced criticism for cost overruns. The parish appealed repeatedly to the city for support. Even with aid, the project stalled. It wasn’t until Paul Desjardins, Tony’s son, resumed construction in 1897 that Église Saint-André began to take its final shape.
The final design, while based on Tony’s plans, saw some alterations. The bell tower was shortened due to cost constraints. The final inauguration took place in 1901, marking the end of a long and arduous journey. Église Saint-André in Lyon tells a story of community perseverance. It speaks of faith amidst financial struggles and a vision finally realized.