Church of Saint Nicholas of Epehy dans la Somme

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Nicolas d'Épehy church, located in the Somme department, replaces a 17th-century first church, replacing an older chapel. This original building, rich in woodwork from Sainte-Agnès de Cambrai, served as a branch church until 1801 before becoming parish church. It was destroyed in 1917 during World War I, marking the end of this local historic heritage.

The reconstruction of the present church began in 1922 under the direction of architect Louis Compoint, from Clichy. The new building adopts an art deco style, characterized by the use of bricks and a stone base. Its interior preserves major artistic elements, such as a master altar adorned with a bas-relief representing Christ in Emmaus, as well as woodwork and stained glass signed by renowned artisans.

The stained glass windows, directed by Léon Lecourt de Vanves and his son-in-law Clement Mazard, illustrate emblematic religious scenes: the legend of Saint Nicholas, the Holy Family, or Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The Way of the Cross, on the other hand, is the work of Joseph Vanpoulle de Cambrai. The organ, installed in 1927 by the house Didier & Fils de Nancy, was restored twice, in 1961 and 2008, emphasizing the musical importance of this place of worship.

The paintings of the choir, added after World War II, depict Christ, the evangelists and the Beatitudes, reinforcing the spiritual and artistic dimension of the building. This church bears witness to the region's resilience and artistic renewal after the destruction of the Great War.

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