In the heart of Lachine, Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church whispers tales of bygone eras. Saint Stephen’s isn’t just a church. It’s a living testament to Montreal’s vibrant past, a place where the echoes of fur traders, immigrants, and even a notorious Nor’Wester still resonate. Did you know Saint Stephen’s churchyard is one of the most historic in Canada? It served as a final resting place for many travelers on the Saint Lawrence River. Lachine was a crucial point on this route, where travelers had to transfer due to the Lachine Rapids. Saint Stephen’s churchyard became the unintended destination for those who perished along the way. One intriguing story tied to Saint Stephen’s is that of William MacIntosh, a tough fur trader. His grave, marked by an iron railing, lies at the church’s northeast corner. MacIntosh, known for his resilience, once escaped imprisonment by feigning a suicide attempt. He even left a note claiming he would drown himself with a stone tied around his neck! He later became a valued Hudson’s Bay Company officer after their merger with the North West Company. He retired in Lachine, near the company’s headquarters. Saint Stephen’s also played a significant role in the Anglican Church’s growth in Montreal and western Canada. Established in 1822, it was the first Anglican church built after the Cathedral. The church even championed women’s ordination, a testament to its progressive stance. The church itself was designed to be a landmark, visible for miles. While now obscured by the Sainte-Anne Convent, its presence remains powerful. Finding Saint Stephen’s is an adventure in itself. Leaving the waterfront and ascending Twelfth Avenue, the church suddenly reveals itself, an unexpected treasure in the heart of Lachine. Saint Stephen’s invites you to step back in time and experience the stories etched within its walls and churchyard.
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