A towering brick structure stands before you. This is the Église Saint-Vincent de Paul Sint-Vincentius a Paulokerk. Its history stretches back centuries. Long before this imposing Art Deco building existed a much smaller chapel stood on this very ground.
The Église Saint-Vincent de Paul has deep roots in Anderlecht. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to the faith and community spirit of Scheut. The original chapel Notre-Dame de grâce dates back to 1450-1455. Charles the Bold commissioned its construction. It was served by monks from the Chartreuse de Scheut.
In 1865 a significant change occurred. The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary also known as the Scheutists took over. They established their mother house here. They built a chapel and a school. This was thanks to the generous support of banker Émile Stinglhamber. A parish was established in 1894. The original chapel proved too small as the area grew rapidly.
The current Église Saint-Vincent de Paul was constructed between 1936 and 1937. Architect Joseph Smolderen designed this beautiful building. Notice the rough heather-colored bricks. They take on a brownish hue. The Art Deco facade features heavy stone ornaments. The tall detached bell tower is striking. It deviates from the square plan opting for a rectangular shape.
The symmetrical stair towers flanking the entrance add to its unique charm. During World War II the church bells were hidden underground for safety. The bells reappeared after liberation on September 4 1944. The Scheutists remained here until the 1980s. A decline in vocations led them to move to smaller quarters across the Chaussée de Ninove.
The parish of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul was dissolved. The church was officially desacralized in 2016. Today it serves a different purpose. The building and its annexes are now an intermediary school. This school for Dutch-speaking children opened in 2018. The transformation of the Église Saint-Vincent de Paul reflects the changing needs of the community. It stands as a symbol of adaptation and resilience. A beautiful building with a rich history continuing its service to the community.