Church of Saint-Pierre-Apôtre (Montreal) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St. Peter the Apostle |
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Église Saint-Pierre-Apôtre
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| Location | 120, rue de la Visitation Montreal, Quebec H2L 3B5 |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Registered historical site |
| Designated | 5 October 1977 |
| Architect(s) | Victor Bourgeau |
| Architectural type | Neogothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1851 |
| Completed | 1853 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Montreal |
The Church of St. Peter the Apostle (in French, Église Saint-Pierre-Apôtre) is a historic Roman Catholic church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Village neighbourhood, between Boulevard René Lévesque and Rue Sainte-Catherine East. This beautiful church has been recognized as a Historic Place of Canada.
History of St. Peter the Apostle Church
The story of this church began with Pierre Beaudry (1774–1848). He owned a large farm in Montreal. Beaudry decided to give a part of his land to build a new church. He wanted it named after his patron saint, Saint Peter. The Beaudry Métro station is also named after him!
At that time, the Society of Saint-Sulpice managed all the church areas, called parishes, in the city. Bishop Ignace Bourget of Montreal wanted to balance this influence. So, he invited a group of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from France. They arrived in December 1841.
The Oblates soon settled in the area, which was then called Faubourg Québec. This neighbourhood was quickly becoming a place where many working-class families lived. The Oblates opened the Maison Saint-Pierre-Apôtre there.
Building the Church
Construction of the church for the Oblate community and local people started in 1850. It was overseen by Father Jean-Fleury Baudrand, who was the leader of the Oblate community. The architect was Victor Bourgeau. He was a very famous church architect in Montreal. He also designed the Basilica of Notre-Dame and St. James Cathedral in Montreal.
For a while, there was some friendly competition between the Sulpician and Oblate Fathers. This was especially true when the Sulpicians created Sainte-Brigide Parish in 1878. This new parish included the area where Saint-Pierre-Apôtre was located. This situation changed when Saint-Pierre became its own official parish in 1900.
Today, the church is home to the Chapel of Hope (Chapelle de l'Espoir in French). This special chapel is dedicated to people who have been affected by AIDS. It is thought to be the only chapel of its kind in the world.
Architecture of the Church
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The Church of St. Peter the Apostle is part of a larger group of buildings. This group includes the church itself, the rectory (where the priests live), and the sacristy (where church items are kept). There is also a clock tower. In the past, there was a choir school and an elementary school here too.
The church building has three main sections, called naves. These sections end at a rounded part called a polygonal apse. The rectory was built between 1854 and 1856. It is as tall as the church and built in the neoclassical style.
The choir school started in 1859 in a small wooden house. It was a private school for boys. A new building for the choir school was built in 1868. Because more children needed general education, an elementary school was built between 1886 and 1887.
The first decorations inside the church might have been done by the architect, Bourgeau. Later, more artwork was added by Guido Nincheri (1885-1973). The church also has a beautiful organ. It was made by Charles Warren and later made bigger by Casavant Frères in 1908. The amazing stained glass windows were made between 1853 and 1883. They were created by the House of Champigneulle in France.
