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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Corneille-et-Saint-Cyprien de La Baconnière, located in the department of Mayenne (Pays de la Loire), replaced in the nineteenth century a first medieval building dedicated to the same saints. Its nave of origin dates back to the twelfth century, while two side chapels dated from the seventeenth century. Faced with population growth, its reconstruction was decided in 1844, financed by subscription from 1862. The plans of architect Pierre-Aimé Renous, in neo-Roman style, were made between 1864 and 1868, with a blessing in 1866. The church was distinguished by its western bell tower-porch, its five-span nave, its tiered apsidiole transept and a semicircular apse choir, adorned with sculptures by Raymond Dubois and glass windows from Auguste Alleaume.

From the 1980s, his condition deteriorated, leading to his closure for security reasons in May 2014. Storm Miguel, in June 2019, severely damaged the roof, some of which collapsed in the choir. Despite a historical study carried out in 2021, restoration costs (estimated between 1.4 and 6 million euros) were considered prohibitive by the municipality, the owner of the premises. In January 2023, the municipal council unanimously voted for its demolition, effective from 31 July 2023, despite opposition from heritage associations. Only a part of the façade, the base of the bell tower and the support walls of the nave and choir remain today.

The building was home to a remarkable heritage, including a 1870 altarpiece from the Herold workshop and a 1584 bell inherited from the old church. Its architecture blended medieval heritage and 19th century influences, illustrating the evolution of religious and artistic practices in Mayenne. The destruction of the church raises questions about the preservation of rural heritage, faced with budgetary constraints and increasing climatic hazards.

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