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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Augustin in Saint-Augustin, Charente-Maritime, finds its origins in the 18th century as a private chapel of the house of Breuil, a noble residence. It replaces an ancient Romanesque church, located on a rocky eminence overlooking the Gulf of Barbareu and a fishing port, which was demolished in the 19th century due to its state of advanced decay. This first church, dependent on Saint-Étienne de Vaux Abbey, was surrounded by a cemetery and served as a parish centre until its maintenance became impossible for the commune.

In 1843, the chapel of the house of Breuil, dating from the 18th century, was enlarged. In 1858 its owner, Mrs Manes, proposed to give it to the commune on condition that it obtained the status of parish church, which was accepted. The donation was formalized on 2 August 1859, marking its transformation into a public church. The building, of sober style with a vaulted nave in basket handle and a bell tower-wall, incorporates classical elements like a triangular pediment added in 1859 by architect Sauvion.

The interior, marked by a great sobriety, includes a unique vessel illuminated by bays in the middle of the hangar and a baroque high altar surrounded by statues. A notable feature is its bell of 1773, classified historical monument in 1938, coming from a Scandinavian ship. Although the church was the subject of an application for classification in 2012, it was refused because of an architectural character deemed insufficient for heritage protection.

Today, the Church of St Augustine welcomes Masses according to the tridentine rite, celebrated by priests of the Institute of Christ the Sovereign King Priest. It reflects the evolution of places of worship in New Aquitaine, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations, while preserving historical elements such as its maritime bell.

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