saint Lawrence parish church

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Saint-Laurent parish church, located in the Lamentin in Martinique, is a Catholic religious building whose current construction dates back mainly to the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Although a first church was erected at the end of the 17th century, it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that it took on its present appearance, notably after major restorations in 1949 incorporating concrete structures. This monument is distinguished by its central location, rue Schœlcher, and its historical role in the community life of the village.

The stained glass windows of the church, made by the master glassmaker Pierre-Gustave Dagrant (Bordeaux), as well as those of the Maumejean workshops (Hendaye and Paris), are protected heritage elements. These works adorned the altars dedicated to Saint Joseph and the Virgin, while two monumental canvases of Father Arostéguy (1887–1956), representing the burial and resurrection of Christ (1955), enriched his interior. Outside, the fountains of the church square and the frames of the stained glass windows were included in the additional inventory of historical monuments in 1995, highlighting their artistic and historical value.

The St. Lawrence church embodies a mixture of architectural and artistic influences, reflecting stylistic evolutions and successive restorations. Its porch, its signed stained glass windows and pictorial works make it a place of worship and major heritage in Martinique. The presence of these elements, combined with its turbulent history, bears witness to its importance in the religious and cultural heritage of the island, while illustrating the restoration techniques of the twentieth century.

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