Église Saint-André de Bobigny

Église Saint-André de Bobigny, known locally as église Saint-André, is a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and community spirit. Located at the intersection of Avenue Karl-Marx and Rue Miriam-Makeba in Bobigny, France, this church has witnessed centuries of transformation, both in its structure and its surrounding environment. This guide will take you through the remarkable journey of Église Saint-André de Bobigny, from its ancient roots to its modern-day incarnation.

The Ancient Roots

The history of Église Saint-André de Bobigny dates back to the 8th century, as noted by historian Michel Roblin. By the 11th century, the area had developed into a parish community, complete with a church dedicated to Saint Andrew. This early church was part of the Archdeaconry of Paris and the Deanery of Montreuil. In 1089-1090, it was ceded to the Abbey of Saint-Martin-des-Champs by Geoffroy de Boulogne, the Bishop of Paris. This ecclesiastical connection was further solidified when Pope Urban II mentioned the church on July 14, 1096.

The 16th Century Transformation

Fast forward to 1557, and we see a significant transformation of the church. A new structure was built and consecrated on April 28, 1557, by Charles Boucher d’Orsay, the Bishop of Megara. This church, appearing on Delagrive's 1740 map, was part of the Bobigny estate. Despite multiple repairs, it was described as a dilapidated building by the Abbé Lebeuf in 1755. The church featured two small aisles alongside the choir and a narrow tower, hinting at its ancient origins. Inside, the choir housed several old tombs, including a female burial possibly dating back to the 14th century.

The 18th Century Rebuild

In 1769, the church was reconstructed and rededicated to both Saint Andrew and Saint Peter, thanks to Philippe-Guillaume Jacquier, the Lord of Bobigny. This new building featured a nave with two bays, a narthex with a gallery, side aisles, a transept, a semicircular choir, and a square lateral tower. The tombs from the previous church were preserved, and historian Ferdinand de Guilhermy later discovered a 1294 funerary slab within the new structure. However, the church faced destruction during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, when French soldiers demolished the bell tower and roof to prevent them from being used as landmarks by Prussian forces. The church was ultimately set ablaze in September 1870.

Reconstruction in the 19th Century

Just two years later, in 1873, the municipal council approved the reconstruction of the church, this time solely dedicated to Saint Andrew. The project was overseen by diocesan architect Paul-Eugène Lequeux. The new design included a nave flanked by aisles and a bell tower-porch crowned with a spire. The new bell, named Jullie Augustine, was baptized in October 1873, marking a new chapter for the church.

The Modern Era

The 1960s brought a wave of urban renewal to Bobigny, driven by modern architectural and ideological principles. Architects from the ATURBA workshop, including Claude Le Goas, Marius Depont, and Serge Lana, were commissioned to reimagine the area. Initially, the old church was to be preserved within the new Karl-Marx estate. However, in November 1979, the municipal council decided to demolish and rebuild the church due to its failing foundations. The old structure was demolished in 1980.

The Contemporary Church

The current Église Saint-André de Bobigny was constructed in 1980 based on designs by Marius Depont, who also designed the Bobigny town hall. The new church was inaugurated on April 25, 1982, by Bishop Guy Deroubaix, in the presence of Father René Santraine, the parish priest of Bobigny. The modern building, made of wood and concrete, features a unique elevation on the left side that vaguely resembles a spire, serving as the bell tower. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, the church stands as a testament to the area's urban development.

Architectural Highlights

The bare concrete walls of the new church are adorned with a few objects salvaged from the previous structures, including a gilded wooden statue of Saint Andrew from 1760, a statue of Saint Fiacre from 1850, and an 18th-century marble holy water font. These two statues are listed as historical monuments. Additionally, a set of nine abstract stained-glass windows, created by André Gence in 1981, adds a touch of color and artistry to the otherwise minimalist interior.

In conclusion, Église Saint-André de Bobigny is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of resilience and transformation. Its journey from an 8th-century parish church to a modern architectural marvel mirrors the dynamic history of Bobigny itself. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a curious traveler, Église Saint-André de Bobigny offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of this vibrant community.