Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles

Have you ever heard of a church with a statue that took a 17-year vacation? Right here, at Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles, that’s precisely what happened. Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles sits at the corner of Rue Saint-Jean and Passage Saint-Michel. It’s a striking blend of brick and reinforced concrete, designed in a Romano-Byzantine style by architect Bernard Haubold. Construction began in 1913 but wasn’t completed until 1938. This wasn’t due to laziness, but rather the interruption of World War I, which threw a wrench into many plans. The church is actually the third church dedicated to Saint Michael in this area. The first temporary church was erected in 1857 on Avenue de Saint-Ouen. A second followed in the 1860s. The current Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles stands as the third and final structure. Atop the church’s bell tower is a replica of the statue of Saint Michael from Mont-Saint-Michel. Both statues were crafted by the same sculptor, Emmanuel Frémiet. In 1990, a fierce storm dislodged the statue here at Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles. It had to be taken down for repairs. It wasn’t until 2007 that the statue was finally returned to its rightful place. Imagine its surprise at the changes in the neighborhood after such a long absence. Inside, the church houses an organ with an interesting history. Originally built by the Czech organ builder Rieger, the organ first served as a salon organ and even had a stint accompanying silent films. It eventually found its home here at Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles in 1937, thanks to a public subscription. It’s quite a journey for an instrument. During the Paris Commune in 1871, Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles served as a meeting place for the Club of Social Revolution. This group was largely comprised of women, including figures like André Léo and Blanche Lefebvre. These women played vital roles in the Commune, holding meetings and discussions within the church walls. It’s a fascinating chapter of the church’s history that adds another layer to its story. So, as you stand before Église Saint-Michel des Batignolles, remember its multifaceted history. From its delayed construction to its vacationing statue and revolutionary meetings, this church has witnessed a lot. It continues to stand as a testament to the ever-evolving narrative of Paris.