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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Martin de Masevaux, located in the Haut-Rhin, finds its origins in a project launched in 1755 to replace an old Romanesque church deemed old and out of date. Construction began in 1787 according to the plans of architect Gabriel Ignace Ritter, but the works were interrupted due to cracks in the tower, confirmed as dangerous by Jean-Baptiste Kléber and Strolz. The nave, covered but unmaintained, deteriorates, and the offices are temporarily transferred to St. Erhard's Church from the hospital.

In 1837, the municipality re-launched the site under the direction of architect Jacques Kuen, member of the municipal council and chairman of the factory council. Kuen profoundly altered the main façade and added three statues of theological virtues, carved by Jean-Baptiste Glorieux de Belfort. The church was finally consecrated in 1842. It then houses a remarkable organ designed by Joseph and Claude Ignace Callinet, inaugurated the same year. The building, partially protected in 1937, suffered a devastating fire in 1966, destroying the organ and furniture.

The reconstruction, completed in 1971 under the direction of architects J. T. Boemlé and J. D. Evette, allowed the installation of two new organs: a large organ by Alfred Kern in 1975 and a choir organ by Curt Schwenkedel in 1973. These instruments revive local musical life, leading to the creation of the Masevaux Organ Festival in 1977. The church, symbol of resilience, now blends 18th century architectural heritage with modern elements from its post-fire restoration.

Architecturally, the church combines a peg tower and a sandstone nave, while the rest of the building, in coated bellows, features a salient transept and a semicircular choir. Inside, pilasters beat the nave and the choir, both ceilinged. The facade, adorned with a pediment carved with IHS initials and surmounted by statues of theological virtues, reflects the 19th century transformations. The building, owned by the municipality, remains an active place of worship and a testament to the artistic and technical developments that have been taking place since its conception.

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