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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jacques de Reims, the second oldest preserved church in the city after the Basilica of Saint-Remi, has its origins in the 12th century. In 1183, Guillaume aux Blanches Mains gave way to ancient vegetable lands to set up a religious community, and the construction of the church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur began in 1190. The roof was completed in 1270, marking the end of the major work of this period. The building, of sober style, has a blind facade pierced by three portals, a 12th century nave and a 16th century bedside, reflecting its architectural evolution over centuries.

Over the centuries, the church underwent several transformations and damage. In 1548, the choir and the side chapels were enlarged, and paintings, now missing, were added. In 1711, a storm destroyed the Gothic tower, replaced by a Louis XIV style bell tower. During the French Revolution (1793-1802), the building was used as a stable and barracks. In the 19th century, architect Narcisse Brunette carried out important restorations, including a sacristy to the north transept. The church was listed as a historic monument in 1912.

The First World War marks a tragic turning point for the building. Gravely damaged, it enjoyed an innovative restoration between 1920 and 1921, with an armed cement frame designed by Henri Deneux, a technique reused later for the Cathedral of Reims. The repairs ended in 1932, and the church reopened to worship in 1922. In the 20th century, it was enriched with contemporary stained glass, signed by Joseph Sima (1965-1969), Maria Elena Vieira Da Silva (1996-1997), and Benoît Marq (2010), while its bell tower, destroyed during the war, was rebuilt between 1987 and 1994.

The church organ also has a remarkable history. A great 19th-century symphonic organ, by Belgian organist Pierre Schyven, was destroyed during the First World War. It was replaced in 1962 by a neoclassical organ built by Georges Danion, originally installed in an Anglican church in Paris. Restored in 1977, this instrument has 41 registers spread over three keyboards. Edmond Duval, an organist from the church until his death in 1873, was one of the musical figures associated with this place.

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