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Because History repeats itself...
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Sites emblématiques menacés - 2005
Montreal’s Steeples
Everywhere in Montreal
Architectural and Landscape Value
Whether they are Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox, church steeples mark the personalities and landscapes of the parishes and neighbourhoods of the Island of Montreal. They constitute a very diversified collection of the works of architects and artisans of the last three centuries. Furthermore, steeples and places of worship contribute to the silhouette of Montreal, and create visual and acoustic landmarks within the city.
Historic Value
Churches and places of worship bear witness to the presence and history of cultural communities and families in the metropolis. While visiting Montreal in 1881, Mark Twain remarked facetiously that Montreal was the only city he knew where you could not throw a brickbat in any direction without breaking a church window.
The Threat
The decline of the practice of religion, the lack of preventive maintenance and the liquidation of religious property with no regard for its heritage imperil Montreal’s religious heritage. Furthermore, the absence of rigorous safeguards from public authorities as well as the need to hold independent discussions on the future of the religious heritage both contribute to the worsening of an already precarious situation.
Actions by Héritage Montréal
From 1990 to 2004, Héritage Montréal has made repeated requests that special measures be included to preserve places of worship in the City of Montreal’s urban plan. Furthermore, it worked on several studies dealing with the issue: in 1997, with the Université de Montréal on heritage churches in the downtown area, and in 2004, with the Quebec Religious Heritage Foundation and SECOR, on an overview of issues found in a dozen metropolitan areas. The organisation is closely monitoring this file, and will continue to emphasize the importance of this heritage.
To help safeguard this site, write to us.
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