Haspelschiedt, Grand Est France
Roman Catholic
The church was built from 1869-74, replacing a smaller old chapel built sometime before 1710. The pink sandstone was quarried near the village. The church, exceptional in the region, is known as the Cathedral of Bitche Region. The area, annexed by Germany following the Franco-Prussian war, escaped battles in World War I, though the church bells were melted down. Returned to France in 1918, the bells were replaced in 1922. The church was virtually destroyed in World War II: all of the interior and most of the structure. It was rebuilt from 1947-53. New bells, installed in 1950, are named Christ the King, Immaculate Heart, and Saint Nicolas. Village children raised funds for a new Saint Nicolas stained glass window.