In 1907, a beacon of faith and community arose in Montreal. This was the Saint Casimir Lithuanian parish. It became a sanctuary for Lithuanians, a place where their traditions and language could flourish. The original Saint Casimir Lithuanian church was constructed in 1915 on Parthenais Street. It welcomed waves of immigrants seeking a new life in Canada. The congregation grew, necessitating a larger space. The current Saint Casimir Lithuanian church building was erected in 1955-1956. Inside, a statue of Saint Casimir, Lithuania’s sole saint, stands above the altar. It is adorned with the Lithuanian Columns of Gediminas. Two chapels flank the altar, showcasing traditional Lithuanian wooden carvings. Beneath the church lies a hall where Lithuanians gather after mass for events and fellowship. In 1932, Lithuanians constituted the largest non-French speaking group in the St. Marie district, where Saint Casimir is located. At that time, approximately 5,500 Lithuanians called Montreal home. In 2007, Saint Casimir Lithuanian church celebrated its centenary. It was the only Lithuanian institution in Canada to reach this milestone. A traditional Lithuanian cross, made of metal for permanence, was erected outside to commemorate the occasion. Today, Saint Casimir Lithuanian parish stands as the oldest surviving Lithuanian parish outside of Lithuania.
Parc Dickie-Moore
Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Parc Dickie-Moore? This little slice of Parc-Extension holds a century of Montreal