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Church of Our Lady of Good Hope facts for kids

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Church of Our Lady of Good Hope
Church of Our Lady of Good Hope - 2006.jpg
66°15′07″N 128°38′38″W / 66.2519°N 128.6439°W / 66.2519; -128.6439
Country Canada
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website Listing at Diocesan website
History
Status Mission
Founded 1864 (1864)
Dedication Our Lady of Good Hope
Architecture
Functional status Active
Heritage designation National Historic Site of Canada
Designated 1977
Architectural type Carpenter Gothic
Groundbreaking 1865
Completed 1885
Specifications
Length 45 feet (14 m)
Width 25 feet (7.6 m)
Number of floors 1
Number of spires 1
Materials Wooden frame
Administration
Archdiocese Grouard-McLennan
Diocese Mackenzie-Fort Smith
Official name: Church of Our Lady of Good Hope National Historic Site of Canada
Designated: 1977

The Church of Our Lady of Good Hope is a very old and special church building. It is located in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, Canada. This church sits high up on a hill, looking over the Mackenzie River. It is a Roman Catholic church built in a style called Carpenter Gothic.

This church is quite small, only about 14 meters long and 7.6 meters wide. It was built a long time ago, between 1865 and 1885. A group of priests called the Oblate Fathers started it as a mission. A famous person named Father Émile Petitot lived and worked at this mission from 1864 to 1878. He was known for studying different cultures, languages, and geography in Canada's northwest.

What is Carpenter Gothic Style?

The Church of Our Lady of Good Hope is a great example of the Carpenter Gothic style. This style uses wood to create buildings that look like grand stone Gothic churches. Imagine tall, pointed windows and doors, and a steep roof, all made from wood.

Outside the Church

From the outside, the church looks quite simple. It has wooden walls, a very steep roof, and tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. There's also a pointed entranceway under a bell tower with a steeple. It might seem plain from the outside, but don't let that fool you!

Inside the Church

The inside of the church is a big surprise. It is decorated with amazing paintings! These paintings make the interior look very colorful and special. The simple outside hides a truly beautiful and artistic inside.

A National Historic Site

Because of its history and unique style, the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope was named a National Historic Site of Canada on June 6, 1977. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history. It's a place that helps us remember the past. The historic cemetery next to the church is not part of this special designation.

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