Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint Memmie de Bergères-lès-Vertus, dedicated to Memmie de Châlons, dates from the end of the 12th century. It features a protogothic choir and a flamboyant Gothic bell tower. The baptismal fonts date back to the 12th or 14th century, while the later altar dates back to the 19th century. The openwork tympanum preserves fragments of 16th century stained glass representing Christ. The tower of the bell tower was rebuilt in 1875 by architect Posel, after destructions related to the Hundred Years' War and successive modifications in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

The central nave, dated the 12th century, preserves capitals of that time. The apse and transept were rebuilt in the 15th century after the ravages of the Hundred Years War. The nave was extended in the 16th century to accommodate a growing population, and a Renaissance chapel was added in 1550. In 1673, a wall was erected to support the bell tower, while the nave frame, dated 1764, was rebuilt in 1930. The window of the facade, destroyed in 1825 by a storm, was decorated with a flower of lilies and the arms of Vertus.

The bells, blessed on April 12, 1863, bear the names of Alexandrine Adèle, Louise Eugénie and Martine Zoé. They were melted by Paintander and the son of Vitry, and their baptism involved local figures such as the parish priest Simeon Molard and Mayor Billon. The flamboyant Gothic portal and carved details, like the angels holding the arms of Vertus, testify to the historic and artistic importance of the building.

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