Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (Quebec City) facts for kids
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church was a beautiful church building in Quebec City, Quebec. You could find it at 410 Rue Saint-Jean. This church was an important landmark in the city for many years.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
Early Days and a Big Fire
The very first Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church was finished in 1847. However, a huge fire swept through Quebec City in 1881. This terrible fire destroyed much of the city, including the church.
Building a New Church
After the fire, a new church was built. It was completed in 1884. This new building was made from seven different kinds of beautiful Italian marble.
The architect who designed it was Joseph-Ferdinand Peachy. He used a style called the Second Empire style. This style was popular for grand buildings. The front of the church was inspired by another famous church in Paris, France, called the Église de la Sainte-Trinité.
Special Features of the Church
The church had many amazing details. It featured a tall spire that reached about 73 meters (240 feet) into the sky. Inside, there were 36 colorful stained-glass windows. You could also see many statues and paintings. These decorations made the church very ornate and beautiful.
Music at the Church
Two brothers, Ernest Gagnon and Gustave Gagnon, were important musicians at the church. They both played the organ. Ernest Gagnon was the organist from 1853 to 1864. His brother, Gustave Gagnon, then took over from 1864 to 1876.
The Church's Closing
The Archdiocese of Quebec decided to close this church. It officially closed its doors on a special day called Pentecost in 2015.
Inside the Church
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Nave
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Sanctuary and pulpit
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Altar
More Information
- Parish site
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (Quebec) para niños
