Approved construction plan 1846 (≈ 1846)
Adoption of the plan for a chapel.
1848
Erection in parish church
Erection in parish church 1848 (≈ 1848)
Transformation of the chapel by Mr. Jaring.
1880
Construction of the hexagonal bell tower
Construction of the hexagonal bell tower 1880 (≈ 1880)
Added a faceted dome and bell tower.
1891
Resistance to cyclone
Resistance to cyclone 1891 (≈ 1891)
Church spared by the storm.
1902
Surviving the eruption of the Pelee Mountain
Surviving the eruption of the Pelee Mountain 1902 (≈ 1902)
Church intact after disaster.
1925
Adding transepts to the cross
Adding transepts to the cross 1925 (≈ 1925)
Changes in the internal structure.
1963
Demolition of the bell tower
Demolition of the bell tower 1963 (≈ 1963)
Security reasons cited.
3 février 1993
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 3 février 1993 (≈ 1993)
Official protection of the building.
2001-2009
Restoration campaigns
Restoration campaigns 2001-2009 (≈ 2005)
Restoration of the original bell tower.
13 décembre 2009
Re-opening of the church
Re-opening of the church 13 décembre 2009 (≈ 2009)
Ceremony chaired by Bishop Méranville.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church (Doc. A 71): Registration by decree of 3 February 1993
Key figures
M. Jaring - Owner
Completed the 1848 work.
Abbé François-Pierre Outil - First priest
Named in 1877 for the church.
Michel Méranville - Bishop of Fort-de-France
Reinaugurated the church in 2009.
Origin and history
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of L'Ajoupa-Bouillon finds its origins in a chapel built in the 18th century around a cross, on an ancient slave cemetery. In 1848, after work by Mr.Jaring, this chapel was erected as a parish church, initially served by parish priests in the nearby parishes of Basse-Pointe and Grande Anse. Its Baroque-inspired architecture is distinguished by a facade reminiscent of that of the first Moorish church, built by Dominicans.
The church has undergone several major transformations over the decades. In 1880, a wooden hexagonal bell tower, covered with a faceted dome and a bell tower, was added, but was destroyed in 1963 for security reasons. The two cross transepts were built in 1925, and the lateral naves appeared in 1926. Between 1975 and 1976, the interior was restored, and an independent campanile replaced the bell tower. The building, which resisted the cyclone of 1891 and the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902, was listed as historical monuments in 1993.
Beginning in 2001, restoration campaigns helped restore the original bell tower, and the church was re-opened in 2009 by Bishop Michel Méranville. Its history reflects both the climatic and geological challenges of Martinique and the architectural evolution of colonial churches, mixing Baroque influences and local adaptations. The facade, topped by a pediment pierced by an oculus and a balustrade, as well as the monumental arched door framed with pilasters, bear witness to this unique heritage.
The church is also marked by its social and religious role. Originally linked to the history of slaves in the surrounding homes, it becomes a symbol of resilience for the local community, surviving natural disasters and maintaining its status as a central place of worship. Latin inscriptions on the façade, like IN HONOREM IMMAC. CONCEPTIONIS, recall his dedication to the Immaculate Conception, strengthening his spiritual identity.
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