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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Julien de Saint-Julien-des-Églantiers, located in the eponymous hamlet of Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson (Mayenne), was erected between 1869 and 1870 at the initiative of Bishop Casimir Wicart of Laval. Father Edmond Martin, responsible for raising funds, obtained an imperial decree in 1870 to create the parish, despite administrative resistance. Built in two years according to the architect's plans Lemesle for 50,000 francs, it was dedicated in 1896 by Bishop Pierre-Emmanuel Bouvier, Bishop of Taraise. Its neo-Gothic style and tympanum representing St Julien du Mans make it a remarkable building.

In 1906, the inventory of church property was interrupted by 200 parishioners, marking a local resistance to the laws of separation of churches and the state. Disused in 1998, she was condemned to demolition by the municipality, but the Save and Memory association of the church of St Julien des Eglantiers obtained her rescue through a legal remedy. Since then, renovations (roof in 2007, stained glass windows in 2015) have allowed its partial reopening, with cultural events attracting 3,000 annual visitors.

Inside preserves vault keys dated 1903, decorated with religious symbols and family weapons, as well as stained glass windows of the master glassmaker Auguste Alleaume. They commemorate World War I with scenes from Poilus with the faces of local soldiers. The stained glass of the choir, made in 1870 by the Carmel of Le Mans, illustrates the life of Saint Julien. The bell tower, with four slate bell towers added in 1896, was restored after the storm of 1999.

Today the deconsecrated church functions as a heritage and cultural place. His tympanum, representing St Julien saving a child from a snake, and his angel announcing the Last Judgment at bedside, testify to his artistic heritage. Citizen mobilization has transformed this monument into a symbol of the preservation of rural heritage, while adapting to contemporary uses (concerts, exhibitions).

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