Église Saint-André
Place de l'Église, 18130 Jussy-Champagne
The church, built in Romance time(period) at the beginning of the XIIth century, is devoted to saint André. She(It) undergoes grave mutilations at the time of the Wars of religions. She(It) little suffered Revolution on the contrary. His(Her,Its) recent history(story) is marked by two priests who followed one another almost for all XIXth century: the abbot Goumet (1758-1837) who left more than 5 000 handwritten pages and the abbot Regnault (1817-1892) whose ministry lasted more than fifty years and who began(undertook) big work. The church is especially remarkable for its facade which illustrates numerous works on Romance architecture in Berry and that does not fail to interpeler the visitors. She(It) consists of three floors: the first one is established(constituted) of a profound portal(gate) and two blind arcades, a characteristic arrangement(disposal) of the southwest school which is found in more than about twenty churches mainly in the South is from Berry. Capitals(Big tops) are classic of this time(period): animals, palmettes, sheets(leaves) of water, etc. The second level with a series of six columns and five sculpted subject youngs, has a very rare character and testify a saintongeaise inspiration very probably. Sculptures are sometimes harmed but the Christ in the middle and Saint Peter(dory) to the right is recognised. Columns must be surmounted(overcome) by round arches(hangers) which disappeared. The third floor is established(constituted) of a cross with in the middle, the Paschal Lamb topped with a cross, knelt, the head to the right and turned(returned) as in Avord and Vornay, villages very close to Jussy. The church was extended a first time in the XVth century by Jehan de Gamaches (1450-1514), then possessing the castle, who made build a chapel in the South. This chapel lighted(enlightened) by a wide Gothic bay(berry) possesses a front of altar of the end of the XVth century listed(classified) MH and sculpted above relief which evokes three stages(scenes) of the Passion of the Christ. In this chapel took a seat(took place) an equestrian statue representing saint George striking down the dragon, of the end of the XVIth century, listed(classified) MH and an imposing statue of saint Denis, registered on additional inventory, dated the XVIth century. In 1844, the abbot Regnault gathered(collected) in this chapel the scattered headstones which were in the church. He(It) gave to the church his(its) final appearance by throwing(launching) big work. So, a second chapel will be built in the North in 1842\. She welcomes a splendid master(teacher) altar of the end of the XVth century, listed(classified) MH, representing the Christ surrounded with apostles. An equestrian statue of saint Martin, dated the end of the XVIth century, listed(classified) MH, took a seat(took place) in this chapel. The abbot Regnault also made bring(shoot) down the tiny existent sacristy to make build the current sacristy inaugurated in 1845\. The already evoked side chapels receive, above altars, two big(great) compositions which include each two oil paints(paintings) on painting(cloth). The one represents the Virgin(Virgo) of Assumption, other one Sacré-Cœur. In their lower parts(parties), paintings(paints) represent respectively the family of Philippe de Bengy and three sisters of the boarding school with their pupils. These paintings(boards) are signed "GUITTON" The interest of this small church, it is also the big(great) quantity of liturgical clothes in very good state of preservation that is in the sacristy: screeds and chasubles among which some are registered on additional inventory, of manipulates, stoles, veils(sails) of chalice, etc. All in all, more than two hundred rooms(parts,plays) were listed among whom some are presented in the course of temporary exhibitions(exposures) in June and September organised by the riding association «the friends of saint André». Considering its activities, this young association has just been recognised "body of general interest" by the direction(management) of public finances.
Tags
Édifice religieux, Monument historique
Bernard Ducateau
