What secrets lie beneath this church? I am talking about \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception. This church stands on the site of a former school. The school had to be moved to make way for this grand structure.
Before construction could even begin, workers had to dig deep. More than 30 feet into the clay they went. They needed to find solid rock. This rock would support the foundations of the \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception.
Now, here’s a lesser-known fact. The architect, George \u00c9mile Tanguay, wasn’t a household name. He signed the plans because other renowned architects were too busy. It was a prosperous time. Everyone was in high demand.
Look closely at the structure of the \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception. Notice anything unusual? It was a first for North America. Steel was used in the structure. It’s especially prominent in the vault. This innovative use of steel set it apart. The \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception was built in 1898.
Several companies contributed to the construction. On\u00e9sime Martineau played a key role. The Dominion Bridge Co. and Canadian Bridge Co. also were involved.
Today, the \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception continues to serve its community. You can attend mass here. Services are held in French. Mass is held on Sundays at 10:00 am. Weekday masses take place, too. Confessions are available before each mass.
Adoration is on Tuesdays at 10:00 am. Special celebrations mark important religious events. Holy Week and Easter are particularly significant. The \u00c9glise de l’Immacul\u00e9e-Conception is more than just a building. It’s a place of worship. It is a testament to architectural innovation.