“Did you know this church began as a theatre?” That’s right. u00c9glise Saint-Jacques in Lyon has a surprising past. It stands in the heart of the Etats-Unis district. This area is known for its rich history.
Let’s step back to 1936. The area needed a place for worship. But resources were tight. So architects designed a dual-purpose building. It was meant to be a temporary chapel. It would also serve as a theatre and community hall. This design offered space for religious services. It also provided a venue for social gatherings.
The story of u00c9glise Saint-Jacques is one of resourcefulness. The Popular Front era saw Cardinal Louis Joseph Maurin establish the parish. It aimed to serve the growing population. The Etats-Unis district was new. It was created after World War I. It honored American intervention in the war. The area mostly consisted of affordable housing. These homes offered modern comforts for the time.
Tony Garnier planned the district. He did not include a place of worship. The Brosset-Heckel family stepped in. They donated land for the church. Architects Bourbon and Vincent designed the building. It included a presbytery. It also had rooms for parish activities. A theatre was also planned.
Cardinal Maurin laid the first stone on June 21 1936. His successor Cardinal Gerlier blessed the temporary church. It was located in the theatre space on May 27 1937. Officially, the parish was established on October 30.
The initial plan was for the temporary chapel to become a theatre later. However, the permanent church was never built. World War II broke out. After the war, priorities shifted. The temporary chapel became the permanent u00c9glise Saint-Jacques.
During the war, u00c9glise Saint-Jacques served as a chapel. It honored the 94 victims of a bombing in June 1944.
Inside u00c9glise Saint-Jacques, you’ll find a unique feature. The chancel is separated by a partial partition. This partition was meant to be the harlequin of a theatre. Louise Cottin decorated it. She was a Prix de Rome winner. Her mural depicts the life of Saint James the Great. It showcases key moments. These include his calling and the Transfiguration. It also shows the Garden of Gethsemane. The Last Supper and the Calvary are represented. The mural also features four churches. These are associated with Saint James.
In recent years, u00c9glise Saint-Jacques has undergone renovations. A new altar was consecrated. Bishop Loïc Lagadec led the ceremony. The artist Bruno de Maistre created the new liturgical furniture. It represents the fire of Christ’s heart. It also represents the Holy Spirit.
The community of u00c9glise Saint-Jacques is vibrant. It includes people from many nations. The church is a symbol of unity and faith. As you leave u00c9glise Saint-Jacques, remember its story. It began as a theatre. It became a cherished place of worship. Its history reflects the spirit of the community it serves.