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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The parish church of Saint George in Lavancia-Epercy originated in a tragic event of the Second World War. In July 1944, the former church of the village was partially destroyed by the Germans. Despite the damage, the funds allocated for war damage did not allow for a complete reconstruction, as part of the building had survived. The commune, without the necessary financial resources, was unable to rebuild the church by its own resources.

The solution came in 1951 thanks to the intervention of Edgar Faure, then Minister of Budget and General Councillor of Jura. During his visit to the International Wood Exhibition in Lyon, he asked the National Chamber of Wood Industries to offer a new church to the commune. The building, built in just 70 days by the Établissements Chalos et Fils de Saint-Brieux, was first exhibited in Bois-sur-Rhône. It was made with 17 different wood species, supplied by French federations and producers, as well as importers of exotic wood.

The church was dismantled after the exhibition, transported from Lyon to Lavancia-Epercy, and then returned in three weeks to its current location in February 1952. It was officially inaugurated on 22 June 1952. In 1965, renovations were undertaken, including painting and roofing. Later, in 1995, the gable and bell tower were covered with giant thuya shingles from Colombia, consolidating its unique appearance. The church, located on Rue de la Gare, is now listed as a Historic Monument since December 18, 2015.

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