“Neo-Gothic whispers” describe this church. The Église Saint-Rémi, or Sint-Remigiuskerk, stands before us. It is located in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. This church serves the local Catholic community. It rises from the Boulevard du Jubilé.
Let’s step back to the late 19th century. Molenbeek-Saint-Jean grew. A new parish was needed near Tour & Taxis and the new port. King Leopold II wanted development along the Boulevard du Jubilé.
Arthur Vetsuypens spearheaded the church project. Chrétien Veraart designed it. Cardinal Mercier laid the first stone in 1905. Construction finished later.
The Église Saint-Rémi showcases neo-Gothic style. It follows the Scheldt Gothic tradition. Look at the natural stone construction. Green stones come from the Gilette dam. Gray Tournai limestone and Belgian pink sandstone add color.
Notice the semi-hexagonal porch. A large stained-glass window sits above it. Decorative turrets dot the upper corners. The openwork bell tower stands back from the facade. Four corner turrets top it. The tower has its own door to the outside.
To the rear, the parish house connects. It was built with the church in the same style. Inside Église Saint-Rémi, Jurbise ceramic tiles cover the floor.
The side aisles have bright stained-glass windows. Camille Ganton-Defoin created them in the 1950s. They depict Saints Nicholas, Augustine, Aline, and Mélanie. The choir windows show Christ’s life.
Inside Église Saint-Rémi, find some special features. Two polychrome wooden apostle statues date from the 17th century. They came from another Brussels chapel. Chrétien Veraart designed the pulpit and communion bench.
Jean-Pierre Timmermans and his brothers created three large stained-glass windows in 1959. They are in the left and right transepts. One depicts the Last Supper. Another shows Christ as the light. The facade window shows the Virgin Mary’s coronation.
There is a faux cave. It was made during World War I. People used old rags and what they could find. The Germans requisitioned everything. This cave shows devotion and hope. It parallels the Notre-Dame de Lourdes grotto nearby.
Look for a unique stained-glass detail. A south transept window features characters modeled after Fernandel and Remu. These were cinema actors favored by the parish priest.
Families from the neighborhood donated paintings in the triforium. They often gave them during communions. The Église Saint-Rémi has a rich history. It holds artistic treasures. This church is more than a building. It embodies faith and community.