Built in 1932, this Catholic church features arched windows with mullions and transoms, enhanced by faux keystones. Its niche, adorned with a faux keystone, is located in the center of the facade and features a red cross decorated with light bulbs. Three dormer windows are visible on each side of the roof. The bell tower is decorated with dentils and small gabled pediments on each side.
Historical Significance
It is one of the first churches built on land provided by the Noranda Mine. Built when the population was predominantly English-speaking, the church offered alternating services in English and French to the people of Noranda until 1946. Closed in 2003, the church was converted into a performance venue, L’Agora des Arts, in 2008.
Photo credit: Nancy Larivière, 2015
Notice the four gable-shaped pediments on all sides of the bell tower, as well as the dentils formed by the red applied brickwork. Also, since it is no longer a place of worship, an important element is missing from the bell tower; can you identify it?
Notice in this photo, even though it's in black and white, how the different shades of brick stand out. Also note the absence of the top floor of the rectory and the passageway leading from it to the church. These additions date from the early 1960s.
Source: BAnQ
Feel free to explore the other routes of the Immersion Douce Rebelle network. Looking for another activity to do in Rouyn-Noranda? Visit tourismerouyn-noranda.ca