St. Machutus Church

The Sint-Machutus Church had a hard time at the end of World War I. However, during the reconstruction, help came from the other side of the ocean. Henri Gabriëls, the bishop of Ogdensburg, a city in the American state of New York, donated two beautiful stained glass windows to the church. The generous donor was no stranger to Wannegem. Henri was born here as the third child (of nine) of mason Leopold and seamstress Rosalie.

At school in Oudenaarde, it soon became clear that Henri was a top student. And although it was not obvious for the simple family, he was allowed to continue studying for the priesthood. He was ordained at a time when many people were emigrating to America to escape the bitter poverty. To the despair of the American clergy, who counted too few vocations to tend to the growing flock. The bishop of Ghent therefore responded to a call from his confrère in New York and sent Henri across the ocean where he, in turn, made history.

TIP: The Heemkundige kring Hultheim recorded his life story: http://www.hultheim.be/index.php/krasse-kruishoutemnaren/21-kruishoutemse-kronieken/2013/169-henri-gabriels-1838-1921-van-snotneus-te-wannegem-tot-bisschop-in-ogdensburg

Visit Vlaamse Ardennen