Denomination: CATHOLIC

Assomption-de-la-Sainte-Vierge Church
153, du Portage Street, L' Assomption (Québec) J5W 3G3

ormerly called Saint-Pierre-du-Portage, this parish probably got its name from the fact that, founded in 1724, it was officiated by Father Pierre Lesueur, P.S.S., and was situated in a village which was a very well known portage for the voyageurs.
Originally, L'Assomption was a very small agglomeration of residences but it subsequently became a commercial centre of substantial importance.
Façade
Photo: Germain Casavant
t first, a modest wood chapel was built which was then replaced in 1740 by a stone church. According to one source, the registries of the parish record the important inscription that was on the first stone of the Church. It reads as such:
"In the year of our Lord 1750, on June 23, under the reign of the Pontificate of Benoit XIV, under the reign of Louis XV, illustrious and reverent Henri Du Breuil de Pontbriand, Bishop of Quebec governing the Canadian Church, Ecclesiam canadensem regente, the Marquis of Jonquière being the Governor General of New France, François Bigot, Intendent in charge of the Police, Charles de Longueuil, Governor of Montreal, Jacques Degeay, and the priest of this parish, this first stone of the church dedicated to Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, was laid by Mr. Louis Normand, Superior of the Montreal Seminary. This church served until 1820 at which time it received the expansion that had become necessary in order to accommodate the growing population."
Lateral chapels were added under the direction of priest Ferréol Dorval. Assomption was completed with the expanded nave and the raised portal that exists today. This work was undertaken in 1864.

Text: Les Vieilles Églises de la province de Québec 1647-1800, Ls-A Proulx Québec, 1925, p.189.
English translation: Alice Ming Wai Jim


Main entrance
Photo: Germain Casavant
View of the apse
Photo: Germain Casavant
Plan of Victor Bourgeau
Photo: UQAM

ictor Bourgeau designed an architectural composition of neo-baroque inspiration. The pilasters embedded in the wall and resting on their bas-relief pedestals divide the façade into three vertical sections. They also extend beyond the cornice, framing a central arched niche which surmounts a pediment topped with a cross. The three large doors on the ground floor echoes the three fully arched windows on the floor containing the central niche where Our Lady of the Ascension lovingly watches.

he presence of the two towers which frame the façade and at the feet of which rests the smaller naves, is the practical solution of an expansion ordered by the ambitious dream of an episcopal church. With their chains of corner stones cut to measure and their imposing mass, they create a balanced impression of force and endurance. Two typical octagonal bell towers dressed in copper revetment crown the ensemble. Each enhanced by two superimposed columns topped by a spire, they evoke a feeling of transcendence to which the heart of humanity has aspired since time memorial.

Text: Claude-St-Jean, Notre Église, August 1987, English translation: Alice Ming Wai Jim
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