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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Georges de Martigné-sur-Mayenne has its origins in the 12th century, although its present appearance is the result of many transformations. The building, initially modest, was enlarged and modified by the inhabitants several times, notably in 1699, where a significant extension was undertaken. At that time, the choir was already home to three altars, and the back was used as a sacristy until 1829, when a new sacristy was built near the chapel of Saint Joseph.

In 1729, two bells were melted by Pierre Asselin, master fondeur du Mans, and blessed ten days later. A century later, in 1829, sacristy was moved, and between 1858 and 1861, two naves were added to meet the needs of the parish. In 1877, under the leadership of Mayor Charles de Crozé, three new bells replaced the old bells, considered too small, leading to a modification of the belfry by the local craftsman Guittier.

The interior of the church preserves remarkable elements, such as a bas-relief of 1736 representing the Adoration of the Magi, formerly integrated into the altarpiece of the high altar. Sculpted by a Lavallois artist (genre of François Langlois), this marble bas-relief is now classified as a historical monument. Other pieces, such as the 17th century Baptist fonts (in marble of Louverné and copper) or a Gothic epitaph of 1549 dedicated to the vicar Robert Tasseau, testify to his rich liturgical and artistic past.

The successive transformations of the church reflect the evolution of the religious and community needs of Martigné-sur-Mayenne. Every modification, whether structural (nefs, sacristy) or symbolic (cloches, retables), illustrates the attachment of the inhabitants to their place of worship, marked by centuries of practices and devotions.

Historical sources, such as Le Patrimoine des communes de la Mayenne (ed. Flohic, 2002), confirm the importance of this building in the diocese of Laval. Its architecture, combining medieval heritage and modern additions, makes it a privileged witness to local history, between religious tradition and practical adaptations.

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