ÉGLISE SAINT-SAUVEUR
Saint-Sauveur Church

The construction of the first Saint-Sauveur Church began in 1850.  It was built in order to allow the residents of the area to attend mass in their own neighbourhood.  At that same time, the Archbishop of Québec was looking at establishing an Oblate community in Québec and therefore requested in 1853 that an Oblate community be put in charge of the parish.  They answered his request and have been associated with the parish ever since.  In 1853 however, the church was still under construction, and in 1866 a fire broke out and ravaged the entire neighbourhood, including the nearly completed Saint-Sauveur Church.  In less than two years the church was rebuilt and still stands today.

This neo-Roman church was constructed following the plans of architect Joseph-Ferdinand Peachy and has a great architectural and ornamental richness.  Dedicated to the Sacred Heart, it is filled with magnificent paintings by Charles Huot.  Actually, this man dedicated six years of his life (1886-1892) to creating ten paintings and eighteen frescos to the glory of God.  These works of art are classified by the Minister of Cultural Affairs.  In visiting the church, you have the opportunity to admire the magnificent vault where “le paradis” (paradise), “le jugement dernier” (the final judgement), “l’enfer” (hell), “la fin du monde” (the end of the world) and “la transfiguration” (the transfiguration) are placed. 

The glorious sanctuary, with the three-dimensional paintings that never cease to amaze visitors, is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  It was created in part by the William Drum studio, according to the plans of architect Joseph-Ferdinand Peachy.  The main altar, built in 1920 by Joseph Villeneuve, of the famous Villeneuve studio in Saint-Romauld, replaced the altar that was created in 1878 by his brother Ferdinand.

The church’s bell tower was raised on March 26, 1892, and though it was raised almost twenty years after the rest of the church was completed, it does not diminish its importance.  The heaviest of the bells weighs five thousand pounds, while the three others weigh two thousand two hundred pounds, one thousand six hundred pounds and one thousand and fifty pounds.
 

Points of Interest : The décor of the sanctuary The paintings by Charles Huot The Casavant organ

Church Hours The church is open only during mass times. Guided tours are offered to groups of 10 or more, upon reservation only.

 

Église Saint-Sauveur 215, avenue des Oblats Québec (Québec) G1K 9A4 Telephone : (418) 525-7550 Fax : (418) 523-3042