Paroisse St-Gilbert

Did the stones themselves dream of Paroisse St-Gilbert’s future? On October 3, 1962, Cardinal Paul-Émile Léger brought Paroisse St-Gilbert into existence. While their church home was being built, the faithful gathered at Ladauversière School. Imagine their anticipation as, in March 1964, a triangular plot of land was secured for Paroisse St-Gilbert. Architects Raymond Lemieux and Jean-Jacques Forcier envisioned a dramatic fan-shaped seating arrangement. This design placed the congregation around the main altar, creating a sense of unity within Paroisse St-Gilbert. The nave, with its capacity of 900, was a marvel of engineering. It was roofed with a laminated timber structure, supported by a reinforced concrete frame. Red cedar planks formed the ceiling, while cement tiles protected Paroisse St-Gilbert from the elements. The exterior walls, crafted from fieldstones, grounded the structure in its surroundings. The total cost? A substantial $372,000. Construction of Paroisse St-Gilbert began in December 1965. Almost a year later, on November 26, 1966, the doors opened to joyous celebration. The altar, communion rail, and baptismal fonts, all hewn from Lac-Saint-Jean granite, added a touch of elegance. Oak pews and confessionals provided comfort and solace to those who sought them within Paroisse St-Gilbert. Tragedy struck on November 28, 1987, when a fire ravaged the interior. Services temporarily returned to Ladauversière School. Though the roof and interior were devastated, the concrete structure and fieldstone walls of Paroisse St-Gilbert bravely withstood the flames. Architect Luc Durand was tasked with rebuilding Paroisse St-Gilbert, while preserving its original spirit. The reborn Paroisse St-Gilbert, though smaller with 600 seats, retained the essence of its predecessor. Two tranquil interior gardens, separated by glass walls, offered respite and insulation from the bustling city outside. A tent-like ceiling soared above, its soft light reflecting off the vaulted space. The reconstruction cost a significant $915,000. Many art pieces within Paroisse St-Gilbert were rescued from the diocesan surplus warehouse, imbuing the space with a sense of history. The exterior of Paroisse St-Gilbert remained largely unchanged. However, a raised triangular gable above the façade created a more traditional silhouette. In May 1989, the first mass was celebrated in the resurrected Paroisse St-Gilbert. The interior was refreshed in 1995 and 2001, with the sanctuary floor receiving a granite overlay in 1997. Today, Paroisse St-Gilbert embraces a diverse community, including a vibrant Latin American congregation.