Lutheran Malagasy Community Builds First Worship Space in Ardennes Village

The Malagasy Lutheran community in the Ardennes region is nearing completion of its first dedicated place of worship in the village of Pouru-Saint-Remy. The construction site, located on a 5,050 m2 plot between residential homes, has been under development for several months. The building permit outlines plans for a 422 m2 structure, 8 meters in height, capable of accommodating 246 people. The project, funded through donations from members of the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Canada, Germany, and elsewhere, is expected to conclude in two phases, with the first part set to finish in October and the second by early 2027.

The Malagasy community in the village has grown steadily over the years. Initially, a small family presence established roots, followed by an increasing number of Malagasy residents purchasing property within the commune. Pastor Eddy, a volunteer pastor based in Paris, describes the community’s journey. “At first there was a family present in the village and then more and more Malagasy bought from within the commune,” he explains.

The new place of worship marks a significant shift from previous arrangements. For years, the community has relied on rented spaces, including halls and churches from Catholic and Reformed congregations. “Elsewhere we are renting. Churches are rented from Catholics or Reformed,” Pastor Eddy notes. The new facility will serve as a permanent home for worship and community activities, open every Sunday and on weekdays.

The decision to build in Pouru-Saint-Remy rather than larger cities reflects the community’s preference for a more accessible location. “We don’t yet have the means to do it in the big cities and we like to be here,” Pastor Eddy explains. The village has hosted annual meetings for about a decade, with the community previously renting spaces in Margut and Douzy, as well as the Protestant temple in Sedan.

The roots of the Malagasy Lutheran presence in the village trace back to the 1970s. A missionary from the Lutheran Church in Paris suggested establishing a Malagasy church in France. A Malagasy doctor who settled in Pouru-Saint-Remy was invited by the missionary to consider the idea. “Why not create a Lutheran Church here?” the missionary asked. The community waited until 2015 to acquire the land, which is now surrounded by homes.

The construction of the place of worship represents a milestone for the Malagasy Lutheran community in the region, offering a permanent space for worship, fellowship, and service. It also reflects the community’s commitment to building a stable and visible presence in the village, rooted in faith and service.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)