A majestic stone facade rises 29 meters high. It accentuates the very straight Rue de l’Hôpital Militaire. Today, we explore the Church of Saint-Étienne in Lille. This Roman Catholic church has been a historic monument since 1987. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen. The Church of Saint-Étienne stands as one of the largest Jesuit churches in France.
Originally, this site was a Jesuit chapel. The Jesuits established a base in Lille in 1562. They oversaw the municipal college built in 1529. The chapel of the Immaculate Conception was built from 1605 to 1610. A fire destroyed it on October 8, 1740.
François-Joseph Gombert rebuilt it starting in 1743. He followed Dominique Delesalle’s plans. War and sieges delayed the work. The Austrian Succession in 1744 and the siege of Tournai in 1745 caused interruptions. The new building was finally completed in 1748. The bishop of Tournai consecrated it in 1750.
The Jesuits were expelled from France in 1765. The chapel then became the chapel of the college. Later, it served the military hospital. The military hospital took over the college in 1778.
The church’s style is Roman Baroque. Two superimposed orders mark the facade. Ionic order is at the bottom. Corinthian order is at the top. A 57-meter high square bell tower stands to the left of the choir. It is topped with a campanile.
Inside, the church is 61 meters long. The interior is light and follows a Latin cross plan. The nave has seven bays. Side chapels line the aisles. The choir extends the nave. It ends in a semi-circular apse. The choir and aisles feature ogive vaulting. The nave has a barrel vault. Black and white marble flooring comes from the former chapel. Charles Gaudelet created the stained glass windows between 1854 and 1862.
François Rude carved the pulpit between 1825 and 1828. It features an angel and cherubs. Faith and Hope support a vessel. The vessel is adorned with a bas-relief of St. Stephen’s martyrdom. The organ was built in 1840. Daublaine Callinet house built it. It now has 39 stops, three keyboards and pedals. Cavaillé-Coll modified it in 1899. Mutin modified it in 1901.
The Church of Saint-Étienne has a rich history. It began as a Jesuit chapel and evolved into a parish church. It reflects different architectural styles and artistic contributions. It remains a spiritual and cultural landmark in Lille. Take a moment to appreciate the classical Roman Baroque style. Notice the ogive vaulting and barrel vault. Admire the stained glass windows by Charles Gaudelet. Consider the history held within these walls. The Church of Saint-Étienne is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Lille’s past.