The Church of St John the Baptist is the parish church of the town of Stavele belonging to the West Flemish municipality of Alveringem, located on Alexis Decarneplein.
History
The parish existed as early as 1155. A small Romanesque church built around 1250 was replaced by a late Gothic church building, which was set on fire -by French revolutionaries- and looted in 1796, to be restored in 1800. In 1830, the church was rebuilt. In 1889, the building was enlarged in neo-Gothic style, designed by Antonius Verbeke. A west tower, a transept, a baptistery and an east wing were then added.
During World War I, the tower was used by the Allies as an observation post. In 1917, the French soldier Etienne Lorin died in Bikschote. He was initially buried in Stavele cemetery. His parents, who were glaziers, donated two stained-glass windows to the church in 1919. Besides religious scenes - Baptism of Christ, martyrdom of Saint Stephen (Saint-Étienne)- they also show scenes from World War I, as well as Etienne Lorin's portrait.
Building
This is a three-nave hall church with a heavy west tower, which has three naves. The tower has corner turrets on the spire.
Interior
The church furniture is largely neo-Gothic (late 19th century). There is a 17th-century oak Hubertus statue and a Our Lady of Sorrows in polychromed wood from the first half of the 18th century.
The organ from 1821-1822 is by the organ builders Van Peteghem.