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Origin and history

The church of St. Peter's, located in Pas-de-Calais, is a contemporary monument inaugurated in 1960, designed by architect Alexandre Colladant. It replaces the old church destroyed during the 1943 Allied bombings. The initial project of identical reconstruction was abandoned in favour of a radically modern architecture, exploiting reinforced concrete. Its isocele triangular plan and its lyre-shaped bell tower make it a unique work, integrating Christian symbolism and structural innovations.

The interior of the church is marked by a monumental fresco of 200 m2, Christ embracing the world, made by Geneviève D'Andréis, future wife of Colladant. Two huge stained glass windows represent the Virgin and martyrdom of St Sebastian, while small multicolored stained glass windows flood the space with light. The liturgical furniture, designed by the sculptor Eugene Gallé after the plans of Colladant, and Marc Barbezat's path to the cross complete this coherent artistic ensemble.

Classified as a historical monument since 2 May 2006, the church embodies post-war reconstruction, combining architectural audacity and collaboration between plastic arts and architecture. The presbytery and church were built between 1959 and 1960, although some original elements, such as the blue and white tiled roof, have since disappeared. The Baptistery, accessible from the entrance, is surrounded by a water basin and illuminated by a zenithal opening, reinforcing the symbolic dimension of the building.

The old church, located within the cemetery, was completely destroyed in 1943. Only a few statues were saved and relocated to the new building. The reconstruction was first entrusted to architect Roger Porte, before Alexander Colladant took over in 1950. His preliminary draft, accepted in 1954, proposed a break with traditional forms, illustrating the possibilities offered by reinforced concrete and an integrated vision of the arts.

Today, the Church of St. Peter of Audinghen remains a significant testimony of modern religious architecture in France, where innovative structure and symbolic decoration unite to create a place of worship both functional and poetic. Its inscription in historic monuments underscores its heritage importance, both for its history and for its artistic value.

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