Metal fences surrounding the Saint-Clément Church in the Viauville neighborhood of Montreal indicate that the structure of the building is fragile. Inside, a huge crack adorns the wall against which a Casavant organ that was sold was leaning.
Jewel inaugurated in 1902 by the architect Joseph Venne, closed since 2009 and not heated for three years. The harsh climate attacks the rapidly decaying building. Several water intrusions are visible.
From the outside you can see how it is deteriorating. We said to ourselves, we have to take the bull by the horns!, starts Marc-André Robertson. He is part of the station committee of Viauville, made up of citizens who want to save Saint-Clément, patron saint of the once numerous sailors in the district.
François Legault certainly colored the Easter weekend with his praise of the Catholic heritage. Especially since more and more churches, mosques and temples are falling into disrepair. A trend that has accelerated during the pandemic and that certain citizen groups want to reverse. But the challenge is great to breathe new life into the many abandoned places of worship. Reporting by Davide Gentile.
After an initial failure a few years ago, this committee wants to give back part of the church’s original calling.
“It is always in the center of villages, towns and neighborhoods. People need a place to gather. »
— A quote from Emilie Therrien
She is also a member of the committee and envisions making Saint-Clément the center of the neighborhood. The 3200 square meter building offers all possibilities. Sporting activities are possible in the basement, which was formerly used for wrestling. Without pillars, the ground floor could have a cultural or even culinary vocation.
A gaping crack in the church
Photo: Radio Canada
The safety committee can count on the support of Phyllis Lambert. The architect recognizes that not all churches can be saved. But she believes Saint-Clément’s exceptional qualities would allow her to qualify again.
“It can be a very important place of enjoyment or reflection. If it’s not religion, it can be music, lectures. A place where we exchange ideas. »
— A quote from Phyllis Lambert
An opinion shared by Dinu Bumbaru, spokesman for Heritage Montreal. About 200 municipalities have become owners in Quebec. It certainly makes sense to take advantage of this construction, which offers interesting volumes. There are things involved that are not just prayer.
Given the number and size of Quebec’s churches, the challenge is colossal. With the pandemic, practitioners in churches have become even rarer. Revenues have fallen even further, accelerating problems at factories owned by Catholic churches.
There isn’t enough money
The data from the Quebec Religious Heritage Council is crystal clear. In 2020, 699 places of worship changed, or 25% of the total. Two years later, in 2022, it was 762, or 28% of the total.
“I think the problem is that there isn’t enough money. »
— A quote from Phyllis Lambert
However, in 2021-2022, Quebec invested more than $25 million to restore and requalify religious buildings. But that’s not much given the scale of the needs.
The 3200 square meter building is badly damaged.
Photo: Radio Canada
In Saint-Clément alone, a requalification could cost millions of dollars. The Viauville station committee is therefore trying to involve other financial partners, as Émilie Therrien explains.
We feel that people are beginning to understand the importance of preserving heritage. When you talk to potential financial partners, they understand.
Citizens are still looking for the means to carry out the preliminary studies that are essential for the realization of this great project.
A challenge facing all communities trying to preserve their religious heritage.