Saint Christophe

de Javel

4, rue Saint-Christophe, 75015 Paris

Saint-Christophe de Javel was built between 1926 and 1930 under the direction of the architect Charles-Henri Besnard (1881-1946). It stands out as the first "prefabricated" church in France, built with elements of molded reinforced cement, a very innovative process for the time, which allowed a quick and inexpensive construction. This technique made it possible to devote vast areas to wall and glass decorations entrusted to great artists of the early twentieth century. The church is marked by the Art Deco style, especially in its clean lines and bright volumes. Inside, murals and stained glass paintings by Henri-Marcel Magne (1877-1944) and Jac Martin- Ferrières (1893-1972) illustrate the legend of Saint Christopher, but also evoke the industrial development of the district, showing trains, planes and automobiles, in homage to the nearby Citroën factories and the working-class vocation of the area. The choir vault and the brick and concrete façade, adorned with a large statue of the saint, are perfect examples of this dialogue between tradition and modernity specific to Art Deco. This monument embodies both the industrial heritage of the Javel district and the architectural opening of Paris in the 1930s towards modernity. The choice of Art Deco reflects the desire to celebrate progress, while renewing the sacred artistic language, which makes this church a unique testimony to Parisian heritage. Source St Christophe de Javel is also known for its choir, created in 1955 by organist Claude Sommer. It was successively conducted by many well-known choirmasters (Henri Chalet, Gérald de Montmarin).

D2 Originally, the church was equipped with a small Cavaillé- Mutin organ that was the former salon organ of Jean Huré. Its construction dates back to 1915-1920. In 1970, it was rebuilt by the Schwenkdel House in Strasbourg- Koenigshoffen. The wind-chests of the Grand- Orgue and the Swell were replaced, the mechanics rebuilt and the piping was re-tuned. The harmony was performed by the Steinmetz brothers.