Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Protestant temple of Le Havre, built in 1862 by architect Deconchy, was initially equipped with a bell tower and could accommodate 1200 faithful. It replaced a first temple destroyed in 1685 after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, marking a Protestant presence in Le Havre since the 16th century. The city was an issue during the Wars of Religion, and the cult was celebrated clandestinely in the 18th century in the Saint-François district.

During World War II, the temple was bombed in 1941, losing its pediment, bell tower and roof. Reconstructed in 1953 by architects Gaston Delaune, Jacques Lamy and Gérard Dupasquier (cabinet Auguste Perret), it became the only building in Le Havre combining 19th century architecture and Perret school style. A major transformation took place in 1990 with the addition of an interior staircase designed by Sylvestre Monnier.

The current building, sober in yellow bricks, is distinguished by its terrace roof and three arcade porch. Inside, the Gutschenritter organ and chair date back to the 1950s, while the concrete pillars recall Perret's influence. The former Merklin organ (1883) was destroyed in 1941. Antoine Rufenacht, Mayor of Le Havre from 1995 to 2010, was a notable faithful member of this temple, a member of the United Protestant Church of France.

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