“Dedicated to Saint Edward” the sign might read. This dedication offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Presbytère de la Cité n° 12 and the Église Saint-Édouard de Lens. The church is locally known as “église du 12”. This is linked to its origins in the mining community.
Saint Edward was the patron saint of Édouard Bollaert. He was the director of the Lens mining company for 42 years. The church, and thus Presbytère de la Cité n° 12, owe their existence to him.
The church was built in 1899. It served the workers of the Lens mine number 12 and their families. Mining activity had begun there in 1894. Bishop Williez of Arras blessed the church in 1901. He also blessed the Saint-Pierre church for the mine number 11’s community. The Église Saint-Édouard de Lens was constructed in the middle of a school complex. This complex also included the Presbytère de la Cité n° 12 and management housing.
During World War I the church suffered considerable damage from shelling. The Germans occupied the city. The church was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt identically in 1922 and 1923. Louis Marie Cordonnier and his son Louis-Stanislas were the architects for the reconstruction. Louis Marie Cordonnier also designed the Saint-Théodore church in Lens.
Since 2003 the church has been part of the Saint-François-d’Assise de Lens parish. This parish includes all the old parishes of the city. The Presbytère de la Cité n° 12 is part of this parish. The brick church displays a neo-Roman style. It is influenced by regional architectural elements. A tower with a high slate-covered spire marks the entrance. The church has an elongated layout. It features two aisles and a semi-circular apse.
Église Saint-Édouard de Lens along with Presbytère de la Cité n° 12 is listed as a historical monument since 2009. The housing for the nuns is also listed. The Cité 12 is an exceptional heritage site. It includes remains of the mining operation. There are also engineers’ and foremen’s houses. Workers’ housing and community facilities are present here.
The avenue leading to the mine offers a monumental view. Buildings are arranged around terraces and tree-lined squares. Educational medical and religious facilities are part of the complex. Louis-Marie Cordonnier designed the Saint-Edouard church and the school group. Their style reflects regional influences. Near the old mine 12 the engineers’ and executives’ houses stand. Their size decorations and location showed the hierarchy’s authority over the residents. The Presbytère de la Cité n° 12 played a crucial role in this structure. It provided a residence for the clergy.