Sint-Jacobus de Meerderekerk

Neo-Gothic church with murals and old Roman font.
This Neo-Gothic church was built in 1876-79, replacing an older church. The oldest record of a church in Lichtervelde dates back to 1197. The only element that remains of centuries of history is the Roman font in Tournai stone (12th century), which is richly decorated with fantastical representations of animals.
The tower and a big part of the nave were bombarded at the German withdrawal in 1918, but were reconstructed in 1922-23. Initially the church was surrounded by buildings, but those were removed in the 20th century. Today we can find little chapels of the procession of Saint Margeret the Virgin and a memorial column for military and civil victims of both World Wars around the church.
Above the entrance stands Christ as a teacher, surrounded by Saint Margaret and James the Greater. This sculpture was made by Karel Lateur, brother to author Stijn Streuvels.
Up until World War I the church was richly painted on the inside. However, the interior was repainted in a much more sober style after the war. We can still find the Twelve Apostles and some saints in the nave and choir.
The monumental, neo-baroque pulpit was made by sculptor J.B. Van Biesbrouck of Ghent and marble worker Sarot (Tielt).

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