Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Henri du Creusot Church is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic religious building built in granite and slate. It was erected between 1882 and 1883 at the initiative of Henry Schneider, a local industrialist, and placed under the patronage of Saint Henry. His architects, Forien and Duvillard, worked for Schneider and Cie, reflecting the close link between industry and local heritage.

The church is characterized by a Latin cross plan, two bell towers surmounted by octagonal arrows, and stained glass made in 1890 by Joseph Besnard. These stained glass windows represent in particular Saint-Éloi (like Henri Schneider) and Sainte-Barbe (under his wife's), symbolizing the occupations of the forge and the mines, major activities of the region. A 56 note organ, built by Charles Didier Van Caster in 1902, completes his artistic heritage.

The church carillon, installed in 1883 in the north tower, is a remarkable element classified as Historic Monument since 1994. Composed of 25 bells melted by Crouzet Hildebrand, it is the most important of the diocese of Autun. Unique in France with its keypad in the shape of wheelbarrow sleeves (called Clipotials), it was restored in 2013, with the addition of a missing bell and the replacement of the rodletry. This carillon is also the only musical instrument classified by the World Carillon Federation in Saône-et-Loire.

External links