Gothic Architecture in Canada
One of the greatest examples of 14th and 15th century Gothic Style architecture in all of Canada is Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Basilica. The need for the church rose out of the desire for English speaking Catholics to have a place of their own at which to worship in Montreal. Though the location it stands at today is not the original, it is one of the oldest lasting influences of Irish influence in Montreal Canada.
In 1817, the Church of Bonsecours was a place of veneration for many in the area, but by 1830 the location moved to Church of Recollets because of the growing congregation. By 1841 the size of the congregation grew to 6500 and again a new location was needed. Funds were raised and by 1843 the location that the church rests today, 454 René Lévesque Blvd. West, was purchased. Thought to be a convenient location, this position was at the outskirts of the many parishioners homes therefore easily accessible to many.
Construction of St. Patrick’s of Montreal
The architect chosen for the massive undertaking was P.L Morin. The stone was quarried in Montreal and walls were constructed four feet thick. After several years of construction the pontifical high mass was celebrated 17 March 1847. In 1852 the Warren Company of England provided the organ, which was continually rebuilt though the years. The final addition to the organ was in 1972 when it was married to the organ from the old Church of St. Anthony. By 1894 the choir loft was added to accommodate 100 singers. The pews that remain there today were installed in 1894, though the floor that remains is the original from 1847.
Interior of St. Patrick’s
Upon entering, one can’t help but be overcome by the sheer magnificence of the overall building, both in size and décor. The Stations of the Cross are massive oil paintings hung around the interior walls. In the back of the church two wooden spiral staircases, one from each side of the church, lead to the choir loft. Around the nave of the building hang 150 oil paintings of Catholic Saints.
The floor is intricately inlaid with many Irish crosses as well as fleur-de-lis, in remembrance of the connection with the Sulpician order in the church’s beginning history.
For any lover of either history or architecture, St. Patrick’s Basilica of Montreal is a must see. While many think of Montreal as the heart of Francophone life in Canada, Irish influence still remains.
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