La place de l'église de St Laurent-de-la-Plaine

The square, which dates back to the construction of the church in 1899, has long been the focal point of life in St Laurent, hosting the main family events (christenings, communions, weddings, funerals, etc.) and local festivals. Today, it is at the centre of the town's cultural life, close to th...

The former 12th-century church was burnt down on 26 January 1794 by one of the 12 Colonnes Infernales, under the orders of General Moulin. Consolidated throughout the 19th century from the charred walls, it threatened to collapse. A model was made by Joseph Girardeau (Photo 1)

On 28 February 1886, during his pastoral visit to the parish of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine, Mgr Freppel, Bishop of Angers, highlighted the poverty and dilapidation of the church. He deeply regretted that a sanctuary more in keeping with the majesty of God and the piety of the inhabitants had not already made way for this church, which was too poor and too small, and expressed the wish that the church be rebuilt as soon as possible.

The construction of the new church was entrusted to Mr Tessier, an architect from Beaupréau. Work began in autumn 1896 and was completed in February 1899. The new church, built next to but slightly behind the old one (photo header), is 45 metres long by 9 metres wide and 13 to 14 metres high. It is shaped like a Latin cross and ends in a square chevet (choir).

- The three bells, Zénobie, Louise-Anne and Marie (800 kilos, 550 kilos and 400 kilos) are from the old church. They were purchased in 1873.
- The cross on the spire and the cockerel are also from the old church.
- The new church was blessed on 5 March 1899, the 3rd Sunday of Lent. The old church was demolished a few weeks later.
- The original altar replaced in 1962 (photo 2)
- Presentation of medals (photo 3)
- Installation of the new cockerel in 1960 (photo 4)