Jesuit Chapel (Quebec City) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Jesuit Chapel
Chapelle des Jésuites

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Location	20, rue Dauphine Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3W8
Country	Canada
Denomination	Catholic Church
History
Status	Active
Founded	November 9, 1817 (1817-11-09)
Dedication	Canadian Martyrs
Architecture
Functional status	Chapel of ease
Architect(s)	François Baillairgé
Groundbreaking	1818
Completed	1930
Specifications
Capacity	216
Materials	Wood and stone
Administration
Parish	Notre-Dame de Québec
Archdiocese	Archdiocese of Quebec

The Jesuit Chapel is a special church building in Quebec City, Canada. It was built for the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Famous architect François Baillairgé designed it. Construction started in 1818 and finished in 1930. You can find it on Rue Dauphine, near the old city walls of Old Quebec.

A Look Back: The Chapel's Story
Gallery
See also

A Look Back: The Chapel's Story

How the Chapel Began

In 1773, the Jesuit order was stopped by the Pope. However, the Bishop of Quebec, Jean-Olivier Briand, allowed the Jesuits in Quebec to stay. The government did not let them get new members or French priests. This meant the number of Jesuits slowly went down as they passed away. The last Canadian Jesuit, Father Jean-Joseph Casot, died in Quebec in 1800.

Since the Jesuits were no longer there, the Jesuit College was managed by the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Congregation. On November 9, 1817, they received permission to build a new chapel. This approval came from Archbishop Joseph-Octave Plessis.

Building and Changing Over Time

The chapel was designed by François Baillairgé, a well-known architect. It was built on the land where the old Jesuit College used to be. Construction began in 1818 and was mostly finished by 1820.

Over the years, the chapel was made bigger. An expansion happened in 1857. A new front part, called a facade, was added in 1930. The main altar, where services are held, was built in 1888 by Eugène Taché. The beautiful stained-glass windows were created in 1916 by Bernard Leonard.

The Jesuits Return

At first, priests from the Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral looked after the chapel. In 1842, the Jesuits came back to Quebec. By 1856, they moved into a house close to the chapel. In 1907, the chapel was officially given to the Jesuits.

In 1949, the front part of the church, called the chancel, was changed. Statues and special items of the Canadian Martyrs were placed there. The chapel was then dedicated to these martyrs, who were important figures in Canadian history.

Helping the Community Today

In 1992, a place called Maison Dauphine opened next to the chapel. It was a center that helped young people who did not have homes. This center later closed.

However, a new charity now uses the ground floor, right below the chapel. It is called Carrefour d'Action Interculturelle. This group works to help new people who move to Quebec. They help migrants improve their lives when they arrive.