Now You See It....Now You Don't

Saint Jacques in Abbeville, France

The Church of Saint Jacques in Abbeville is located in a neighborhood spared by the bombings which destroyed 80% of the city in 1940. It was built in a neo-Gothic style by the architect Victor Deleforterie, a follower of Viollet-le-Duc, on the site of the previous Medieval church which was demolished as its condition was considered too risky (already !), and was consecrated in 1878.

Over the past few years, particularly since 2005 when a part of the bell tower fell during a storm and made a hole through the roof, the church’s condition has rapidly deteriorated

A study was begun in 2005 (when the Church wasn't really considered dangerous), but by the time the study was complete THREE YEARS LATER, it was too late. So symbolic of the Catholic Church's fate in Europe, it was simply torn down. The end.