Recall the great fire. Imagine the towering inferno that once consumed the first \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France.
Today we stand before \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This church has a fascinating history marked by fire and rebirth.
The original \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France parish was established in 1888. It served a growing population. The first church was built between 1890 and 1897 at Roy and Laval streets. The area was known as one of the city’s most aristocratic neighborhoods. Its Roman style made it a beautiful stone monument. People admired its character and picturesque features. The facade had a deep porch and five tall windows. A small rose window was framed by small bell towers. A tall tower stood on one side. It housed a superb carillon.
Tragedy struck on January 12 1933. A fire engulfed the original wooden structure of \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France. The church was destroyed in under two hours.
But from the ashes a new \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France arose. It was rebuilt at the corner of Roy and Berri streets. The new church was inaugurated on May 24 1937.
The current \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France and its presbytery remain important landmarks.
Let’s rewind to 1910. Montreal hosted the XXIe Eucharistic International Congress. It was the first one held in America. A grand procession marked the event’s end. It went through the city from Notre-Dame Church. It ended at a large canopy at the foot of Mount Royal. The avenue Laval was part of the route. Photos show the street in front of the old \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France during the procession.
An accident marred the construction of the original \u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France. On July 30 1896 carpenter Louis Bergeron fell to his death. He fell from scaffolding while installing a wooden pylon.
Though the original church is gone a remnant remains. At 3860 rue Laval you can still see the old presbytery. It’s been occupied by the Soeurs Missionnaires de Notre-Dame d’Afrique for over 50 years. These missionary sisters also known as the White Sisters were founded in Algiers in 1869.
\u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France saw its parish suppressed in 2009. It then merged with Saint-Jean-Baptiste parish.
\u00c9glise Saint-Louis-de-France stands as a symbol of renewal. It shows how a community can rebuild after devastation. It has witnessed Montreal’s growth and change. It continues to be a beacon of faith for many. Take a moment to appreciate the history etched into its walls. Imagine the stories of those who sought solace and inspiration within.