ÉGLISE DE SAINT-JEAN-CHRYSOSTOME
Saint-Jean-Chrysostome Church

Unfortunately, the building was accidentally destroyed by fire in May 1872. The stonework and part of the foundation were salvaged and were used to build the rectory that stands today.

By 1834, the chapel had become too small to serve the number of worshipers and a request was made to the Archbishop of Quebec for authorization to build a church. Construction of the new church had to wait 13 more years and was completed over a two-year period. Four chimneys were added later on to heat the church and the sacristy. They were in use until 1926. This church is one of the few to have preserved its old chimneys in their entirety.

The original plans by architect Thomas Baillargé included numerous elaborate elements for the interior décor. But Baillargé retired before construction could begin and left the work to his student, Thomas Fournier, who considerably revised his mentor’s plans and greatly simplified the interior décor.

Fournier’s design emphasized the various elements of the furnishings, which were genuine works of art. They include the churchwardens’ pew, the pulpit, the baptistery and the high altar’s tabernacle, which is a faithful reproduction of the one in the Quebec City Cathedral.

 

Visitors will also be able to admire the impressive Casavant organ, another important element of the church’s religious heritage. This magnificent instrument, made in 1900, was first installed in the chapel of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary in Quebec City. It was later moved to the Parish Church of Saint-Jean-Chrysostome, which it imbues today with its astonishing charm.

 

The heritage value of the Parish Church of Saint-Jean-Chrysostome and its rectory is intimately related to the church’s age. It is the oldest religious building in Lévis; Saint-Jean-Chrysostome is the only parish in which the church and the rectory date back earlier than 1875. With its rectory standing as the sole representative of traditional Quebec architecture in Lévis, this place of worship is today an exceptional heritage site!

 

Attractions: ·  1900 Casavant organ ·  Tabernacle of the high    altar  ·  The parish site   Opening hours: The church is open to the public 30 minutes before the start of religious services.

Guided visits:

Guided visits are available on request.

Église de Saint-Jean-Chrysostome  1012, rue de l’Église Saint-Jean-Chrysostome Lévis (Québec) G6Z 3H4   Telephone : (418) 839-8264 Fax : (418) 839-5965 E-mail : presbysj@clic.net Website : www.sjc-sr.org