The Carpentier calvary

Jacques Carpentier, born in Les Authieux on July 7, 1750, chairman of the Society of Christian Emulation, was struck down on September 27, 1816, by an attack of apoplexy on that very spot. The erection of this calvary in 1852 was undertaken by his son Frédéric Carpentier and his son-in-law Tissier after a wish of their father and father-in-law.

The land where it rises was let free of charge by Mr Eugene Quesnel, estate owner in Les Authieux.

Father Motte, the priest of the St Gervais parish, preached, blessed the golden Christ, brought on shoulders, in procession from Bosc-le-Hard. Processions coming from Clères and Claville-Motteville joined in.

According to Mr. Dumont, a tailor in Les Authieux and an eyewitness, Mr. Carpentier Jr. was accompanied by twelve musicians of the band of the Christian Emulation for this ceremony.

This calvary bears the following inscription on its pedestal:

Raised On July 25, 1852

by filial piety

to fulfill the vow

of Jacques Carpentier

who died on September 27, 1816

In 1867, the Christ's painting and gilding began to disappear. Father Cerveau of Claville Motteville and serving the Church of Les Authieux undertook the restoration.

The restored Christ was placed back on the cross on September 8, 1867.

Father Jules Cellier reported in his handwritten note on Claville-Motteville and Gouville in 1872:

"The painting of this calvary, and especially the gilding of the Christ, which was worn out by time, had left this monument of faith in a state unworthy of Religion. Father Cerveau in charge of the church service in les Authieux-Ratiéville as parish priest of Claville-Motteville could hardly bear the sight of it, and had long been working on the plan to have it restored when, in 1867, on Easter Tuesday, he announced the resolution he had made and appealed to the generosity of those present at the Mass. This project was so well received on that very day, although no one had been warned in advance, that the collection was quite fruitful.

Convinced that a second collection would suffice for the payment of this work, the parish priest gave his orders. The work was carried out and September 8th of the same year was chosen to solemnly replace Christ on the cross.

All the inhabitants of the village and many people from the neighbouring parishes went to this ceremony. The Christ was placed in the choir on a magnificent white stretcher adorned with flowers. Several neighbouring priests had gone to the church; a fairly large choir had been organized. The ladies had donned their white robes; the young men invited by the priest to carry the stretcher were on their best. The city council had been invited to march along. The procession shook off, cross and banner ahead, while the singers sang the hymns of the church and the bell rang its merry volleys.

Arriving at the calvary and the Christ placed back on the cross, everyone, circling around the salutary sign of our redemption, kept a deep silence to listen to the beloved word of Father Baudet, priest of Clères. When the speech was over, everyone returned to the church and the ceremony ended with a solemn greeting.

The collection had been plentiful enough to pay for the work. »