Saint Clair Church

Come and discover this beautiful 19th century church: its listed bell, dated 1492, its remarkable woodwork, its organ and stained glass windows as well as the new monumental Stations of the Cross composed of 14 paintings mounted directly on the wall of the nave.

Dedicated to Saint Clair (590-660), patron saint of the blind and visually impaired, its first foundations date back to 1859. It was built on the site of the feudal church and the old cemetery. This church was made possible thanks to a public subscription and funds from the municipality. The architect Clair Tisseur, born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon (author of the Littré dictionary of the Grande Côte and better known by the pseudonym Nizier de Puitspelu), and Father Rival, the parish priest, oversaw the construction of the building. The work was completed in 1862.
The building, both in its architecture and furnishings, constitutes a remarkable example of 13th-century Gothic style, updated in the 19th century. The woodwork (the pulpit, confessionals, and choir stalls) is the work of the Lyon sculptor Aubert. The bell, which dates from 1492, was listed as a historical monument on November 27, 1995.
Built in 1972 by the Jura-based organ builders Hartmann and Deloye for the Benedictine convent in Pradines (near Roanne), the organ remained in use there until 1995. Put up for sale, it was acquired by the Friends of the Organ of Brignais, in partnership with the town. It is already a substantial instrument (20 stops). Its dimensions allow it to be harmoniously integrated into the west transept of the church. Its restoration was entrusted to organ builder Hervé Clénet, from Bectave-Aguin (Gers), and his assistant Jean Boissonade from Séverac l'Eglise (Aveyron). Installation after restoration was carried out by Jean Boissonade, assisted by Maurice Crouzet and Jean-Marie Royet, from Brignais.
The stained-glass windows: the five large windows in the choir and the eight smaller ones in the side chapels were created by Monsieur Mauvernay, a glassmaker from Saint-Galmier. The rose windows depict, respectively, the virtues of the Virgin Mary and the virtues of Saint Clair. The stained-glass windows in the lower aisles represent scenes from Christian life. The designs were executed by Abbot Rival.