Drawn by an ethereal force that seems to emanate directly from this very spot, you’re standing before the Paroisse catholique Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It is a beacon of faith and history in Montreal. This church is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community.
Paroisse catholique Notre-Dame-de-Grâce’s story began in the early 19th century. Parishioners found the Notre-Dame Church too far. They lived on Côte-Saint-Luc, Côte-des-Neiges, and Côte Saint-Antoine. Residents of Coteau Saint-Pierre also felt isolated.
These residents successfully petitioned religious authorities. They requested a church. The authorities granted them a beautiful and vast church. It was initially named Notre-Dame-de-toutes-Grâces. The name was shortened in 1867.
These early parishioners were descendants of Maisonneuve’s companions. Their names mark Quebec’s history. Families like Décarie, Hurtubise, and Trudeau were among them. Their lands were known for agriculture. They grew melons that weighed nearly 20 pounds. New York hotels sought these melons.
The Sulpicians bought 30 acres from Eustache Prud’homme. The land cost 6000 Canadian dollars. Construction of the church began in 1851. Bishop Pierre Rapper inaugurated it in 1853. Parishioners were buried in the church’s basement. Jacques Viger, Montreal’s first mayor, is buried here.
Notre-Dame-de-Grâce remained a local ministry. Ignace Bourget divided the large canonical parish. The parish was secular. From 1901 to 1999, it was entrusted to the Dominicans. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce covered a vast area. It served a growing population. Nine parishes were formed from it. They included Saint-Henri and Saint-Raymond.
John Ostell designed the Paroisse catholique Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. He also designed the towers of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Ostell favored the Gothic style. The church’s style is Jesuit from the 18th century. The facade resembles the first Notre-Dame Church. Guido Nincheri designed the stained-glass windows above the side doors.
In 1927, major renovations occurred. An imposing campanile with five bells was added. A chapel dedicated to Saint Victor was added. There was also a baptistery and a library. Joseph-Omer Marchand oversaw these additions.
The interior decoration was originally tasteful. Only a few sculptures by Lauréat Vallière remain. The Casavant Frères organ remains as well. A 1960s renovation sought simplicity. It unfortunately damaged the heritage.
The 1927 renovations left wonderful jewels. Guido Nincheri designed the interior renovation. He created 15 stained-glass windows. They depict the mysteries of the rosary. Two stained-glass angels flank the organ. Nincheri was known for lyrical naturalism.
Guillaume-Ernest Pellus created twelve stained-glass windows. They are located around the nave. Two others are in the Saint-Dominique Chapel. These are more conservative. They conform to early 20th-century religious imagery.
Ostell also built the presbytery. The Dominicans moved there in 1901. They built a monastery in 1923. The presbytery was replaced in 1956. It became the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce manor.
Today, the Paroisse catholique Notre-Dame-de-Grâce needs urgent repairs. The campanile and stained-glass windows need work. The foundations and walls require attention. Restoration work began in 2008.
Casavant installed the current organ in 1915. It was reconditioned in 1959. Paul Doyon was the organist from 1922 to 1986. The current pastor is Claude Julien.
The Paroisse catholique Notre-Dame-de-Grâce celebrates mass. It occurs on Saturdays at 4:30 PM. It is also on Sundays at 11:00 AM. Marcel Dupré and André Marchal have performed recitals here. The church stands as a symbol of faith. It represents community and artistic beauty. It continues to evolve. It preserves its rich heritage.