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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of the Immaculate-Design of La Baume, located in Haute-Savoie, is a Catholic building marked by a turbulent history. During the Middle Ages, the parish depended on the seigneury of the Allinges, before passing under the authority of the Abbey of Aulps at the end of the 14th century. The Baume semancipe of Biot in 1852, thanks to the decisive action of the Reverend Nicolas Cathand, the first parish priest, whose commemorative plaque now adorns the entrance.

The present neo-classical church replaces a building destroyed by fire in 1941. Its rectangular structure, considered sober, was enriched in 1991 by the identical reconstruction of the bulb bell tower, giving the building its original splendour. The furniture includes a Virgin with the Child and a stand organ, acquired in 1872 by parish subscription under the impulse of the parish priest Cathand. This organ, classified as Historic Monument in 1985, is a rare testimony of Savoyard instrumental heritage.

The 1941 fire marked a turning point: the organ, built by Joseph Merklin in 1872, was repaired by Michel Merklin & Kuhn the same year. Although its wind tunnel is now electrical, the manual system remains functional. With its seven games with charming sounds, it enjoys exceptional acoustics. The last known interventions date from 2009 (agreement) and 2014 (heritage visit), highlighting its regular maintenance.

The bell tower, a symbol of local identity, was meticulously restored in 1991 to its original appearance. The church, beyond its religious function, illustrates the attachment of the Baumois and Baumois to their heritage, as evidenced by the 2014 Heritage Day. Its history also reflects the parish dynamics of the 19th century, where popular subscriptions allowed the acquisition of prestigious liturgical objects.

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