‘Did you hear about the fire?’. That’s what everyone was whispering about Saint-Louis-de-France in January 1933. This wasn’t just any fire. It destroyed the first church built here.
Saint-Louis-de-France stands as a testament to faith. It also stands as a symbol of resilience in Montreal. Its history is marked by both destruction and rebirth.
The story of Saint-Louis-de-France begins in 1888. The parish was canonically erected on May 17. It was formed from parts of Notre-Dame and Saint-Jacques parishes. Registers opened on September 23, 1888. This marked a new chapter for the community.
Construction of the first church spanned from 1890 to 1897. This sacred space was short-lived. A devastating fire consumed it on January 12, 1933. The community was undeterred. They resolved to rebuild.
The present church was constructed between 1936 and 1937. Architects Henri-Sicotte Labelle and Roland Simard designed it. Ernest Cormier served as advising architect and engineer. The new Saint-Louis-de-France rose from the ashes.
Saint-Louis-de-France served its parish for many years. In 2009, the parish was suppressed. It was then attached to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish. The registers for Saint-Louis-de-France are now held there. You can find them at 4237 Henri-Julien Avenue.
Several priests led Saint-Louis-de-France. Charles Larocque was the first. He served as pastor from 1888 to 1904. Gustave Bourassa briefly took over in 1904. Joseph Avila Bélanger then led from 1905 to 1931.
Saint-Louis-de-France is located at 740 Roy Street East. It sits at the corner of Roy and Berri streets. Its address is also listed as 3747 Berri Street.
Saint-Louis-de-France has witnessed Montreal’s growth. In 1891, Montreal had 216,644 residents. By 1966, the city’s population reached 1,222,255. The church has been a constant presence.
Today, Saint-Louis-de-France stands as a proud landmark. It reminds us of the community’s enduring spirit. It also shows their dedication to faith. Its walls hold stories of both loss and renewal.