Many churches across Canada are facing dwindling numbers of parishoners. In some cases, parishes have merged; some have closed their doors and sold their church; and some churches have been demolished. No matter what your spiritual beliefs, most of us would probably like to see these beautiful old structures preserved and perhaps re-purposed to better serve the community.
This past Friday, the province of Quebec announced it will contribute $11 million to convert part of Sainte-Brigide-de-Kildare church into a research centre and theatre workshop. The church is located on Alexandre DeSeve Street near René-Lévesque Boulevard in Montreal’s east end .
The government’s grant will provide the means to create two creative studios, a multi-purpose room, offices, workshops, and storage space.
The new space will be called Le Cube and it will be run by two youth theatre companies and the Sainte-Brigide-de-Kildare Cultural and Community Centre.
This project represents the second phase in the transformation of this old church into a community centre. It already houses community groups and lodging. An activity centre for pre-school children is also in the books.
Sainte-Brigide-de-Kildare church was built in about 1880 to serve the Irish working-class community in the Faubourg à M’lasse near where Molson Brewery is located. It received superior heritage recognition in the inventory of Quebec places of worship.
Sainte-Brigide-de-Kildare Catholic church served the Irish working class. September 2014. Google Maps.
