The oldest book on my shelves

The oldest book on my shelves is a French gospel of Luke. It is dated 1697. I think it is a Roman Catholic translation, with both latin and French in two columns, and comments from the church fathers. Inside the cover is a handwritten note with my grandfather’s name, Paris, 1929. I suppose that’s when he bought it, when he was living in Paris as a young man (he was 20 years old).

What’s more tragic than when a church disappears? [updated]

[update: Since writing the post below, I had more informations on the church mentioned, see the update here.]

Is there anything more tragic than when a church disappears? I happened to be doing some research on the Evangelical church in St Marcellin, a small town near Grenoble, in France. That’s where my mum was born and brought up, and my grand-parents were faithful members in that church for years. I think they were also influential in setting it up in the 50s.

I remember going to church with them when I was growing up. But I learned today that the church closed its doors in 2008.

There is no more evangelical witness in that town of about 8000. There are nearly 20000 people living in the villages around the town, and Grenoble is about 30 minutes drive on the motorway. Very sad.