Dedicated to a beloved saint this is the story of the Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus. This church stands as a testament to faith and architectural vision. We are standing before a unique monument. It embodies the spirit of a community in Wattrelos.
The Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus is the first church in the region. It was dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. This happened shortly after her canonization. The church is in the Laboureur district.
Charles Bourgeois from Tourcoing designed it. Abbé Delebart funded the construction. He came from a wealthy textile family. Parishioners also contributed.
The Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus is made of reconstituted stone. This is a cement aggregate. The interior reminds people of American churches from the early 20th century.
Its unique decor focuses on the rose. This is an iconographic symbol of Saint Thérèse. You can find it throughout the building. It appears in the architecture, furniture, and stained glass.
David and Lesage created some stained glass between 1930 and 1936. Duthoit and Rouland created more between 1947 and 1964. Charles Fourmaintraux-Delassus from Desvres made the ceramics. The Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus embodies Art Deco style. Its coherent design makes it unique.
Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus construction finished in the first half of the 20th century. Charles Bourgeois was the architect. Abbé Delebart was a patron. Charles David and Lesage were glass painters. The Duthoit workshop and Rouland also worked on glass. Charles Fourmaintraux-Delassus was a ceramicist. The building belongs to a diocesan association.
Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus history goes back to 1927. Charles Bourgeois built it after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux became a saint. Abbé Delebart paid for it with his family’s money. Donations from parishioners also helped. The Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus was listed as a historical monument in 2005.
Inside Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus its Art Deco style is evident. The rose theme is everywhere. It reflects devotion to Saint Thérèse. The rose appears in architectural details, furnishings and stained glass. The ceramics by Charles Fourmaintraux-Delassus add to its beauty.
Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus stands as a symbol of faith. It also represents artistic collaboration. Its unique design and historical significance make it a treasure. Take a moment to appreciate this remarkable church.