The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is one of the oldest churches in Montreal. Marguerite Bourgeoys, the first teacher in the colony of Ville-Marie (Montreal) and the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame rallied all the colonists to build this chapel. Work on the original structure in wood began in 1655. Through the years, it has been altered many times and additions have been made. In 1754, the chapel was completely destroyed in a fire. The present day chapel was built in 1771, over its original foundations. Also, it is often referred to as the "Sailor's Church". In the 19th century, sailors who arrived in the "Old Port" would make offerings to the Virgin in gratitude for safe sea voyages.
This is the rear of the chapel which overlooks the harbour. Here, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours spreads her arms to the St. Lawrence River and blesses sailors with her protection.
Que c´est belle cette chapelle!
ReplyDeleteBisous de mardi
Elisa
You have provided wonderful information for this historic church. To me a building of this size is not a chapel, which I've always assumed is small and quite intimate. But it makes no real difference...either way, it's a place of worship.
ReplyDeleteImagine when your vessel was pulling into port how lovely those welcoming arms must seem! Loved the history and seeing stem and stern!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of a heavenly church! Great history and fine architectural details! How about a stroll inside for a look , too? (hint, hint)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I like your new commenting logo, Ken de Montreal!
A gorgeous looking area of town.
ReplyDeleteChrissy
Are those billboards on the back of that lovely building?!?
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the name and then saw your photo, I realized that I have a small watercolor that I bought on the street... What an amazing place this is and just exquisite.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Magnificent building!
ReplyDeleteThey knew how to build them with beauty and to last back in the old days.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can get a room over the saloon in Crown King anymore. There are cabins that can be rented though.
Nice pics of the old town - especially that 1st one!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so happy to find your blog! My ancestors came from France and settled in Quebec and then of course some then came to the US. This chapel sounds familiar to me from my research. Are you near Pointe-à-Callière Museum? My 10th great grandfather was Jacques Archambault and there is a plaque in the back of the museum commemorating the first water well dug by him :) It's nice to see pictures of where my people came from!
ReplyDelete@ Thanks to all for the great comments. Hope you enjoyed this post.
ReplyDelete@ Tanya: Old Montreal ( Le Vieux Port de Montreal) is relatively small. All the sites of interest are walking distance from each other. I'd guess the chapel is a 10 minute walk... or as long as you like because there's just so much to see in this quarter. Check this map of Old Montreal: http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/mus_attr/pdf/attr_09a.pdf
Great to hear from you!
PS: I will look for the plaque at the Pointe-a-Calliere Museum. ;-)
@ Paul in Powell River: Yes, you're correct! These billboards are for the chapel's museum... promotion for their current exhibition... "Ultreia! Onward Pilgrim"... Pilgrimage at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
ReplyDeleteNot the best place for them, I agree.
beautiful captures of a beautiful chapel!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to explore and you got some great shots too.
ReplyDeleteEven before I saw the title of the first photo, I said to myself "OLD MONTREAL!" I absolutely love that place, soo much history and soo many things to do there.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos.
Old churches with history are so interesting! I love the row of windows in the back. I never would have guessed it was a church from the rear view! :D
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