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Origin and history

The church Saint-Florent de Thil, located in the department of Ain, is mentioned as early as 1152 in a papal bubble of Eugene III, which confirms its attachment to the Basilica Saint-Martin of Ainay of Lyon. This first building, dedicated to Saint Florent, was destroyed by the devastating floods of 1711 and 1716, forcing the inhabitants to use a building in ruins for the offices until the 19th century.

The reconstruction of the present church took place between 1881 and 1884 under the direction of the Lyon architect Dominique Girard. In the absence of financial resources, the initial project – including a south transept – was not fully realized, although there are still pending stones. Jean Giraud, archaeologist, assumes that remains of the 13th century were re-used, especially in the choir. The building now houses remarkable elements such as a colourful Pietà and plaques commemorating world wars.

In 1955, a catechism room was added behind the choir, also serving for winter services. The two bells, melted in 1890 by the brothers Paccard at Annecy-le-Vieux, bear the names of their sponsors: Claude Louis Deporte, parish priest of Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost, and Louis Boquet, parish priest of Thil. The church still depends on the diocese of Belley-Ars and the parish group of Miribel.

Uncertainty persists as to the identity of Saint Florent, probably Florent of Vienna, bishop of Dauphiné celebrated on 3 January, although the local festival (vogue) once took place at the end of October. This gap raises questions about local traditions and devotion throughout the centuries.

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