Wander back in time with me. Step into the world of 1749, here at \u00c9glise La Visitation.
\u00c9glise La Visitation stands as the oldest church on the island of Montreal. It is a testament to Quebec’s traditional architectural style. The church is officially named \u00c9glise de la Visitation-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie. Some also call it \u00c9glise du Sault-au-R\u00e9collet.
Imagine this very site in 1615. Father Joseph Le Caron and Samuel de Champlain stopped at the rapids of the Rivi\u00e8re des Prairies. They followed the portage path of the Amerindians. It was here that Father Le Caron celebrated the first mass on the island of Montreal.
Later, in 1625, tragedy struck. Nicolas Viel, a French missionary, and his young companion Ahuntsic drowned in the rapids. Since then, the area has been known as Sault-au-R\u00e9collet.
In 1696, Vachon de Belmont, a Sulpician, built Fort Lorette. It stood where the parish complex stands today. He established an Amerindian mission. This mission moved to Oka in 1721. Colonization of the Nouvelle-Lorette coast then began.
The Sulpicians built a dike in 1726. It connected the shore to Visitation Island. By 1728, three mills harnessed the rapids’ power. Hydraulic energy ground grain into flour. It also powered saws to prepare lumber for construction.
By 1736, the surrounding countryside was settled. The parish of La Visitation-du-Sault-au-R\u00e9collet was created. The chapel of Fort Lorette served as a place of worship. This continued until the new church was built in 1751.
Construction of \u00c9glise La Visitation started around 1749. Cur\u00e9 Guillaume Chambon initiated the project. The design followed a R\u00e9collet plan. This means it lacked a transept and had a narrower chancel. This style was common at the time. The first services took place in 1751. Bishop Henri-Marie du Breil de Pontbriand consecrated the church in 1752.
Over the years, many talented artists contributed to the interior. Philippe Li\u00e9bert crafted the sanctuary doors. He also created part of the main altar tabernacle. Louis-Amable Qu\u00e9villon designed the paschal candlestick. He also designed the tombs for the three altars. David Fleury-David sculpted and decorated much of the church in the 19th century. His work included the geometric and floral patterned vaults.
To accommodate the growing parish, the nave was expanded. This was done in the mid-19th century. A new facade was added. The bell towers were added around 1870. In 1850, architect John Ostell remodeled the church. He added a bay and a limestone facade. Ostell was a renowned architect. Despite being Anglican, he completed many religious projects for the Sulpicians.
Today, \u00c9glise La Visitation is framed by a presbytery and a sacristan’s house. Both were built in 1883. There is also a parish hall. The \u00c9glise La Visitation remains one of the area’s most beautiful jewels still in use. The Quebec government classified the church as a historic monument in 1974. Its artworks are also classified.
The story of \u00c9glise La Visitation is a story of faith. It is a story of community and artistic expression. It is a story etched in stone and sacred spaces. As you leave, remember you’ve walked through centuries. You’ve experienced the heart of Montreal’s oldest church.