Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Antoine de Felon, built in 1602, was originally a modest chapel without choir or bell tower. It was not until 1774 that a choir was added, as evidenced by the date engraved on the outer vault key of a window. This first expansion marked an important step in its architectural evolution, reflecting the growing needs of the local community.

In 1836, the municipality decided to equip the building with a belfry to house several bells, followed in 1837 by the construction of a bell tower. These additions definitely transformed the chapel into a church in its own right, symbolizing the inhabitants' attachment to their place of worship. The oldest bell, blessed in 1786 by the local parish priest, was classified as historical monuments in 1983, highlighting its heritage value.

The church of Saint-Antoine was initially attached to the parish of Angeot before becoming in 1767 a vicariate of the parish of Saint-Germain-le-Châtelet. Today, it depends on the diocese of Belfort-Montbéliard, within the parish of Saint-Nicolas. In 2020, his bells resonated every night during confinement, in tribute to the caregivers committed to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the centuries, the building has undergone several construction campaigns, including the last in 1992 under the direction of Roland Nonotte. These restorations preserved its integrity while adapting the church to contemporary needs, while preserving the traces of its turbulent history, from its foundation to its present role in community life.

External links