Built in 1955-1956, the Ukrainian Church of Christ the King is now vacant, except for the basement premises, which are occupied by the Rouyn-Noranda Boxing Club.
When the church was built, the Ukrainian community in Rouyn-Noranda was very large, hence the size of this superb building with its very distinctive features.
It must be said that following the death of Father Lev Chayka in 2022 and with the decline in church attendance and the local Ukrainian population, the building is no longer in high demand...
Photo credit: Paul Trépanier
Here we see several members of the Ukrainian community posing in front of the land where their church will be built. In the background, note the water tower under construction and the Russian Orthodox Church of St. George, also under construction. The water tower has since been converted into a residential tower.
Photo credit: BAnQ
In this photo, Father Chayka is surrounded by community volunteers who are helping to build the church.
Members of the Ukrainian community on the steps of the church that is under construction.
Note the presence of Father Chayka, who poses proudly in front of his newly completed church.
The interior of this church has changed very little in 70 years. Even today, it looks very similar to the image you see before you.
Notice how full the church is. Chairs had to be added to accommodate the faithful, who are so numerous that the pews are not enough. It should be noted that in the 1950s, there were more than 200 people of Ukrainian origin in Rouyn-Noranda!
See the bell being installed, which arrived a year after the church was completed.
Note that despite the presence of three bell towers, there is only one bell in the right-hand tower.
According to Father Chayka, the generosity of the faithful in Rouyn-Noranda far exceeded all expectations, making it possible to fully and faithfully realize architect Macduff's vision. In Val-d'Or, due to a lack of funds, several elements of the facade had to be sacrificed, including many windows and the drums of the side bell towers, so that the domes rested directly on the towers.
Have fun comparing the two facades here!
Photo credit: RPCQ
Across the vast territory of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, places of worship tell a unique story of Canadian religious heritage. Rather than isolating cultural communities, remoteness seems to have fostered remarkable fidelity to traditions from elsewhere. Here, immigrant churches are not mere adaptations; they are an authentic expression of expertise passed down despite the distance.
In Rouyn-Noranda, the Ukrainian Church of Christ the King is a vibrant example of this. Although quite small, this church was built by a determined community. Nothing here has been simplified; every detail reflects a heritage that the community wanted to preserve in all its richness.
Modest in scale, this building nonetheless remains a symbol of perseverance. It reminds us that even far from the big cities, authenticity can still be expressed with force. It is also worth mentioning that, given the context that has been raging since 2022, the importance of this place takes on its full meaning in Rouyn-Noranda, which has once again become a land of welcome for the Ukrainian people.
- 1953 Arrival of Father Lev Chayka in the region
- 1954 Construction of the Ukrainian church in Val-d'Or
- 1955 Start of construction and blessing of the cornerstone
- 1956 Completion of construction
- 1957 Installation of the bell
- 1970 Relocation of the former Saint-Joseph presbytery to adjacent land
- Its located near two public roads
- It's located adjacent to the parish presbytery
- Its elevated position above street level
- Its rectangular shape and gabled roof
- Its materials, including concrete foundations and brick cladding
- Its semicircular openings
- Its high steps
- Its three-bay main facade with a central double door
- Its three bell towers