Christ the King Cathedral (Gaspé) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ the King Cathedral |
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| Cathédrale du Christ-Roi de Gaspé | |
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| Location | Gaspé, Quebec |
| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Dedication | Christ the King |
| Consecrated | 1969 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Gérard Notebaert |
| Style | Shed style |
| Years built | 1968–1969 |
Christ the King Cathedral (also known as Cathédrale du Christ-Roi de Gaspé in French) is a special church building. You can find it in the city of Gaspé, which is in Quebec, eastern Canada. It's right next to the Saint-Rosaire Gaspé Elementary School. What makes this cathedral really unique is that it's the only wooden cathedral in all of North America!
History of the Cathedral
Before the current cathedral, there were two simpler chapels in Gaspé. The first one was built around 1825. Another one followed in 1860. These chapels served the Catholic community.
In 1922, Pope Pius XI created the Diocese of Gaspé. This meant the local St. Albert parish church became a cathedral. Bishop François-Xavier Ross was chosen as the first bishop. He arrived in Gaspé in early 1923. Sadly, the first cathedral was destroyed by a fire in March 1929.
For many years, Gaspé did not have a proper cathedral. Then, in the mid-1960s, Bishop Jean-Marie Fortier decided it was time for a new one. He asked Gérard Notebaert, an architect from Montreal, to design it. The new building was finished and officially opened in 1969. Bishop Gilles Ouellet led the special ceremony.
This unique wooden cathedral is very important. On January 25, 2001, the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications recognized it as a historic monument. This means it's a protected building.
See also
