Saint Bernard Church of Reyersviller en Moselle

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Origin and history

Saint-Bernard de Reyersviller Church, in the Moselle department, is a neo-Gothic religious building. Its construction dates back to 1863, when the village of Reyersviller was built as an independent parish of the Archpriest of Bitche. It is dedicated to Saint Bernard, founder of the neighbouring Abbey of Sturzelbronn, thus highlighting a historical link with this nearby religious institution.

During World War II, the church was completely destroyed by the bombings between December 1944 and March 1945. Its reconstruction took place later, between 1956 and 1959, under the impetus of Canon Joseph Nullans and according to the plans of architect Roger Sarraih, native of Bitche. This reconstruction project marked a revival for the local community after the devastation of the war.

The building is distinguished by its stained glass windows, made by Léon Zack and Irene Zack, artists of Russian origin, as well as by its organs, the work of the factor Alfred Kern, installed in 1961. Among the notable heritage elements is a statue of the Virgin Assumption in polychrome and golden lime, dating from the 18th century, which bears witness to the artistic and religious history of the place.

Prior to 1863 Reyersviller was spiritually dependent on the parishes of Schorbach until 1802, then from Bitche to his autonomy. This evolution reflects the administrative and religious transformations of the region, especially in the Country of Bitche, marked by a complex history between France and Germany.

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