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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Auguste de Vendin-le-Vieil, located in the suburbs of Lens (Pas-de-Calais), was built in 1892-1894 according to the Danly system, a demountable metal frame technique invented by Joseph Danly. It served the workers' towns of pits Nos. 8 and 8 bis of the Compagnie des mines de Lens, and was inaugurated on 24 May 1894 as Saint Augustus, patron saint of Auguste Descamps. Its architecture combines neo-Gothic and Artois regionalism, with a typical bell tower and a slate porch.

During World War I, the church was severely damaged by a shell in February 1916, like the nearby pit destroyed during the conflict. Reconstructed between 1921 and 1925 in bricks (similar to the original), it preserves ogival stained glass windows depicting saints, as well as a wooden altarpiece decorated with an icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa. A cultural association now perpetuates its heritage.

Integrated into the Diocese of Arras and the parish of Saint-François-d Its architecture, marked by the industrial emergency (Danly system) and post-war reconstruction, reflects the spiritual and community needs of miners. The neighbouring schools (girls and boys) emphasize its central role in local life, between faith and education.

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