Van Gogh in

Salon du Bebé

Between January and July 1879, Vincent gave several sermons in the Salon du Bébé (also called Le temple du Bébé). A branch of the Protestant church of Grand-Wasmes convened in the hall, which held about 100 people. Vincent wrote to his brother Theo that he found it difficult to understand the local inhabitants, who spoke an extremely quick French dialect. He also had to speak rapidly to make himself understood. The quality of Vincent’s preaching must have left something to be desired, as his contract was not renewed. The Belgian evangelism committee concluded he was not a talented speaker and was not capable of organising productive meetings.