Notre-Dame de l'Assomption

Work is planned for 2027, when the church celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Over the centuries, this building was damaged many times: in 1340, it was almost entirely burnt down. When it was repaired, it was partially damaged and by 1822, it was in an advanced state of disrepair that could not be repaired.

In 1823, demolition work began: the rubble was used to pave the Rue Floris Durez and to construct the new building.

On 16 April 1825, the foundation stone of the current church was laid on the site of the former church. The white stones came from the Oise and the grey from Lewarde (near Douai).

On 6 September 1827, the church was blessed by the Dean, Mr Carpentier, and inaugurated in the presence of King Charles X, who was visiting Orchies on a trip to the North of France (a commemorative plaque is displayed in the entrance hall).

As soon as the First World War broke out, on 25 September 1914, the German occupiers set fire to the church in reprisal, using long sulphur and tar wicks spread at the main door and incendiary grenades thrown through the stained glass windows. By the end of 1925, reconstruction was complete and the bell tower was fitted with new bells.

On 27 May 1940, the church was once again engulfed in flames. An incendiary bomb destroyed a large part of the church. What remained was the bell tower, the right nave with its chairs and 2 confessionals. Services were held in this nave until the autumn, when they were moved to the village hall until the reconstruction work was completed.

On 29 May 1953, large numbers of parishioners, candles in hand, accompanied the Blessed Sacrament into the rebuilt church: "The church, sparkling in the whiteness of the plaster, under the warm light of the neon lights, but still empty, appeared as beautiful as a new-born baby. The power-washed granite floor was particularly admired.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)