Church of Our Lady of Good Hope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Our Lady of Good Hope |
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66°15′07″N 128°38′38″W / 66.2519°N 128.6439°W | |
Country | Canada |
Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Website | Listing at Diocesan website |
History | |
Status | Mission |
Founded | 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.
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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.