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Church of the Sacred Heart of Audincourt dans le Doubs

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine religieux
Eglise moderne
Doubs

Church of the Sacred Heart of Audincourt

    Les Récilles
    25400 Audincourt
Église du Sacré-Coeur dAudincourt
Église du Sacré-Coeur dAudincourt
Église du Sacré-Coeur dAudincourt
Crédit photo : KBWEi at de.wikipedia - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1900
2000
1946
Creation of the parish
1949-1951
Construction of church
30 avril 1996
Historical monument classification
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Church (Case AZ 109): Order of 30 April 1996

Key figures

Abbé Louis Prenel - Curé and initiator At the origin of the parish and project.
Maurice Novarina - Architect Designer of church plans.
Fernand Léger - Artist painter Author of stained glass and tapestry.
Jean Bazaine - Artist painter Creator of the mosaic and stained glass of the Baptistery.
Père Marie-Alain Couturier - Artistic intermediary Coordinator of collaborations with artists.
Jean Le Moal - Artist painter Author of the crypt works.

Origin and history

The church of the Sacred Heart of Audincourt, built between 1949 and 1951 in the Doubs department, embodies modern sacred art of the twentieth century. Initiated by Fr. Louis Prenel for a working-class parish created in 1946, its realization was entrusted to the architect Maurice Novarina, known for his work on the church of the plateau of Assy. Funded by donations, quests and the volunteerism of parishioners, it symbolizes the post-Second World War reconstruction in a neighbourhood marked by the automobile industry.

The building combines reinforced concrete and assembled stone, with a rectangular nave facing north-south, a semicircular apse and an crypt. Its architecture is inspired by ancient temples (portico, roof) and Byzantines (clocher and christens). Ranked a historic monument in 1996, it is distinguished by its minimalism and integration of works by major artists, reflecting the pacifist and spiritual aspirations of the post-war period.

The interior and exterior decorations were orchestrated by Father Marie-Alain Couturier, who mobilized renowned artists. Jean Bazaine realized the abstract mosaic of the facade and the stained glass window of the Baptistery, while Fernand Léger designed the seventeen stained glass windows of the nave (theme of the Passion) and the tapestry of the choir, incorporating everyday objects. Jean Le Moal signed the stained glass windows of the crypt, a wall mosaic and pavement. These collaborations make the church a unique place, where contemporary art and spirituality dialogue.

The church also illustrates a community approach: parishioners actively participated in its construction, and its financing was based on loans and collections. Today, it bears witness to the architectural and artistic audacity of the post-war period, while remaining a place of worship anchored in its industrial territory. Its classification in 1996 highlights its heritage value, both historical, social and aesthetic.

External links