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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Saint-Étienne de Dogneville Church, located in the Vosges, is a neo-Gothic religious building built in the second half of the 19th century. This monument illustrates the ecclesiastical architecture of this period, marked by a revival of medieval forms, while integrating technical and aesthetic elements specific to its time. Its history is closely linked to the upheavals of the twentieth century, especially those caused by the Second World War.

During the Second World War, the church suffered serious damage, reflecting the destruction suffered by many religious buildings in combat zones. As early as 1948, a rehabilitation programme was undertaken to restore the building. This project led to the inauguration of a new church in 1954, marking a revival for the local community. The work includes replacing the traditional stained glass windows with stained glass windows, a modern technique for the time.

The stained glass windows and the cross path made of oak wood, made in 1953, are attributed to the master glassmaker Gabriel Loire. The latter, recognized for his work in the field of sacred art, helped restore the church to an artistic and spiritual dimension. These elements, still visible today, testify to the fusion between religious tradition and artistic innovation in the mid-20th century.

The Saint-Étienne church has been fully protected since 2013 by a registration order for the Historic Monuments. This status underscores its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its post-war reconstruction history. It remains an active place of worship and a symbol of resilience for the municipality of Dogneville.

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