Consider how the land beneath \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte was once an automobile factory. This church’s story intertwines with industry and faith. Hippolyte Panhard of the Panhard automobile company donated the land. It was his contribution to the community. The edifice was named after his patron saint. Thus, \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte was established.
Consecrated on May 1 1910 \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte began its journey. Initially, priests from the Mission de France served here until 1970. From 1952, teams worked to integrate the Gospel into parishioners’ lives.
Since 1970 \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte reflects the cultural diversity of its neighborhood. Refugees from Southeast Asia reshaped the community after conflicts in Indochina. The church embraced this change. In 2010, the parish celebrated 100 years of presence.
Architect Jules Godefroy Astruc designed \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte in a Neo-Gothic style. Construction finished in 1924. The exterior features roughly hewn stones and a barlong plan. A semi-circular apse adds to its charm. The facade includes a porch with a rose window above. A tower-bell stands proudly to the right. Inside, two levels of elevation create space.
Look closely at the tympanum. A fresco by H. Marret from 1936 depicts Saint Hippolyte’s martyrdom. He was a Roman legionnaire converted by Saint Laurent. Girard’s mosaics from 1911 decorate the choir. A stained-glass window separates the weekday choir from the main church. Franck Lalou created this engraved glass in 2002. The weekday choir displays a painting of the Visitation from the early 17th-century French school. Dominique Kaeppelin’s polychrome wooden statue of Notre-Dame-des-Nations adds a modern touch from 1990.
Note the artwork inside \u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte. A fresco created by local residents proclaims: “From all countries will come the children.” Girard’s 1911 mosaics adorn the central choir. The Chapel of the Virgin features a polychrome wooden Virgin and Child by Dominique Kaeppelin from 1990. The church also has a Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
\u00c9glise Saint-Hippolyte stands as a testament to faith community and art. Its history reflects the changing face of Paris. Its walls echo with stories of devotion. Its art speaks of universal themes. As you leave, remember Hippolyte Panhard’s gift. Remember the community’s vibrant spirit.