The chapel at Pondfarm, wss built in 1946, just after the 2nd. World War. This is it's history:
During the 2nd World War, the farmer at that time, Arsène Marant had to flee because of the acts of war. Together with his sister and his neighbours he found refuge in the old WW-1 German hospital bunker (to the right of Pondfarm). There they sat, waiting and praying together. At the farm a unit of French Cavalry was present too. When the French had left on the 12th of May 1940, Arsène found a carved carved wooden Christ figure. Because of this event, he decided to build a little chapel in which he then placed the Christ figure together with a handwritten letter of dedication. For reason of safety, the Christ figure now is preserved inside our house.

Year of construction: 1946

Inside the chapel one can see this handpainted texts ‘ PEACE IN OUR FAMILIES’; ‘PEACE AMONGST THE PEOPLES'(meant is: all peoples of the world)' E.M. 1940. After the 2nd World War many residents of St. Julians often visited the chapel to say their prayers. It was told that people who lived 2km. away from the chapel still could hear the sound of the praying people. The chapel is quite near to the road leading the St. Julian's Church.

Besides the figurine of Our Lady in the chapel, there's the letter, written by Arsène Marant in 1944, describing and dedicating his valuable find. At some time the letter had been damaged by vandals. The pieces that were left, were again put together by the Butaye family. The text reads:
"On the 12th of May 1940, this carved wooden Christ figure was found on the farm yard after the departure of a French Cavalry Unit from the South, who was advancing towards the enemy. The artist who made this impressive Christ figure probably was part of this group. May the beholding of this figure encourage the faithful to the greater honour and glory of our Saviour. Believed be Jesus Christ."

This is a photo of the original letter, written in 1944, when Arseen Marant made this promise: If I survive the war, I will build a chapel so to hang the Christ figure in there together with a written text.

Because of this little chapel, the farm, in local Flemish, was called 'The Chapel Farm' (De Kapelhoeve). Because of the poor condition the chapel was in, we partially restored it in June 2009. Once we hope to receive some subsidy so that we can fully restore it. The same hope we have for the many 'field chapels' in this region. They are part of an ancient typical traditions of this 'Westhoek' (i.e. the Western Corner of Flanders).

Drawing of the chapel (Copr. Georges Vandromme)

Wall Painting:

 

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The chapel was build in 1946. It is dedicated to 'Our Lady Of Peace' as the inscription on the front says. On the inside the banderols 'Peace in the families'and Peace amongst the Peoples" are painted, two specific dedication prayers.

 

 

Het Christusbeeld:
<= backside => E.M . 1940

E.M. may mean or refer to:
(the initials of the artist or the owner)
- Etat Major (F) = Head Quarter
- Escadre Motorisé (F) = light armoured vehicules

(English translation Frank Mahieu; if errors are found, please let us know, thanks)